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Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly
LESSONS FROM THE MIRACLES OF JESUS
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
The Purpose of the Miracles of Jesus.
Anyone who reads the miracles of Jesus
can see in them an expression of divine
love. Jesus healed people, fed them, and
raised their dead because He loved them.
This, however, was not His only, pur-
pose in performing these miracles. If it
had been, surely Jesus would have healed
all the sick, fed all the hungry, and
raised all the dead. Jesus had a teaching
objective in His miracles. He came to the
world to save sinners, and each miracle
served as a concrete object lesson of His
methods in saving men. It is significant
that the Greek word translated "to heal,"
"to make whole," is the same as the word
translated "to save." Jesus saves in a way
similar to that in which He healed or made
whole those who were sick. The same com-
bining of human faith and divine grace that
healed lepers and opened the eyes of the
blind restores sinners today. Thus the mir-
acles of Jesus are worthy of careful study,
as they provide us our best illustrations of
the way in which Jesus deals with men and .
of how we should exercise saving faith.
Lesson 1, for January 1, 1955
Faith at a Wedding Feast
MEMORY VERSE:
"His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever He saith unto
you, do it." John 2:5.
STUDY HELP:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 144-153.
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
John 1:40-45; 2:1-11; 7:3-8, 30; 8:20.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: Introduction;
general survey of the lesson,
based on outline.
2.
Memorize John 2:5; Key Words;
Ques. 1-3.
3.
Ques. 4-6.
4.
Ques. 7-10.
5.
Ques. 11, 12; review first part of
lesson.
6.
Read "The Desire of Ages," pp. 144-
153.
7.
Finish reviewing lesson.
Lesson Outline:
I. Jesus Goes to a Wedding
1.
The visit to Cana. John 2:1 (first
part), 2.
2.
A significant guest—the mother of
Jesus. Verse 1, last part.
3.
Certain disciples. John 1:40, 41,
43, 45.
II. A Crisis Arises
1.
"They have no wine." John 2:3.
2.
Jesus' reply to His mother. Verse 4.
3.
His hour ha'd not yet come. John
7:3-8, 30; 8:20.
[ 3 ]
Ill. Jesus Meets the Crisis
1.
Mary's instructions to servants.
John 2:5.
2.
"Fill the waterpots." Verses 6, 7.
3.
"Draw out now." Verse 8.
4.
The reaction of the ruler of the
feast. Verses 9, 10.
IV. Purpose and Influence of the Miracle
1.
His glory manifested. John 2:11,
first part.
2.
The disciples believe on Him. Verse
11, last part.
Key Words:
1. Wine.
"The wine which Christ pro-
vided for the feast, and that which He gave
to the disciples as a symbol of His own
blood, was the pure juice of the grape. To
' this the prophet Isaiah refers when he
speaks of the new wine 'in the cluster,' and
says, 'Destroy it not; for a blessing is in
it.'
"—The Desire of Ages,
page 149.
2.
Glory.
The Greek word translated
"glory" does not necessarily refer to bril-
liance or effulgence. John 2:11 may` be
translated, "And manifested forth His char-
acter." The word is often used to denote
qualities of character rather than superficial
appearance.
3.
Believed.
The word
believe
is the
verb form of the Greek root from which the
word
faith
comes. To
believe
and to
have
faith
are synonymous. This is one of the
most used words in the New Testament.
The word occurs nearly one hundred times
in the Gospel of John alone. The meaning
involves more than mere intellectual assent.
To
believe,
in the Biblical sense, means to
"surrender to," to "commit oneself to," to
"accept." The result is to fit one to accept
Jesus' oft-repeated invitation, "Follow Me,"
which in turn means "to join in the road."
THE LESSON
Jesus Goes to a Wedding
1. What occasion brought Jesus
and His disciples to the town of Cana
in Galilee? John 2:1 (first part), 2.
NoTE.—There is evidence of deliberate
purpose in all the acts of Jesus. His attend-
ance at the wedding feast was more than a
mere incident. "A Jewish marriage was an
impressive occasion, and its joy was not
displeasing to the Son of man. By attend-
ing this feast, Jesus honored marriage as a
divine institution."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 151.
It is significant that Jesus' first miracle
glorified marriage and simple community
social life. "The family tie is the closest, the
most tender and sacred, of any on earth. It
was designed to be a blessing to mankind.
And it is a blessing wherever the marriage
covenant is entered into intelligently, in the
fear of God, and with due consideration for
its responsibilities."—The
Ministry of Heal-
ing,
pages 356, 357.
2.
Who else is mentioned as being
present at the wedding? John 2:1,
last part.
NoTE.—It is of utmost significance that
Mary was present on this occasion. It was
Mary to whom the angel appeared, promis-
ing the birth of Jesus. It was Mary who
cherished the knowledge of the mystery of
His birth. It was Mary who watched Him
develop into manhood and who observed
every evidence of His divinity. It was Mary
who bade Him farewell when He left the
home at Nazareth and went forth to preach
the kingdom of God. Who was better fitted
to strengthen the confidence of the little
band of disciples than Mary—the person
who knew more about Jesus than any other
person on earth? "It was to honor Mary's
trust, and to strengthen the faith of His
disciples, that the first miracle was per-
formed."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 147.
3.
In all probability, who accom-
panied Jesus to the wedding? John
1:40, 41, 43, 45.
[ 4 ]
MARY'S MESSAGE OF TRUST SHOULD BE
OURS:"DO WHATEVER HE TELLS
YOU."
NOTE.—John 1:35-51 discloses the iden-
tity of the disciples who were following
Jesus at this early stage in His ministry.
It is very likely that John, Peter, Andrew,
Philip, and Nathanael were with Jesus at
the feast. Of course it is possible that others
were in the group also. It was imperative
that these disciples should become ac-
quainted, not only with the power of Jesus,
but also with His character. This miracle
met both needs admirably.
A Crisis Arises
4. What crisis arose at the wed-
ding? John 2:3.
NOTE.—"This
answer, abrupt as it seems
to us, expressed no coldness or discourtesy.
The Saviour's form of address to His
mother was in accordance with Oriental
custom. It was used toward persons to
whom it was desired to show respect. Every
act of Christ's earthly life was in harmony
with the precept He Himself had given,
`Honor thy father and thy mother.' Ex.
20:12. On the cross, in His last act of
tenderness toward His mother, Jesus again
addressed her in the same way, as He com-
mitted her to the care of His best-loved dis-
ciple. Both at the marriage feast and upon
the cross, the love expressed in tone and
look and manner interpreted His words."
—The Desire of Ages,
page 146.
6. In what other circumstances did
Jesus use a similar or identical expres-
sion? John 7:3-8, 30; 8:20.
NoTE.—"In saying to Mary that His hour
had not yet come, Jesus was replying to her
unspoken thought,—to the expectation she
cherished in common with her people. She
hoped that He would reveal Himself as the
Messiah, and take the throne of Israel. But
the time had not come. Not as a King,
but as 'a Man of Sorrows, and acquainted
with grief,' had Jesus accepted the lot of
humanity."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 147.
Jesus Meets the Crisis
NoTE.—The great event that had been
planned with so much love and care was
threatened with disaster. Someone had
blundered. The wine was all gone. Humili-
ation and disgrace were about to descend
on the giver of the feast. What a picture of
human life I Men lay plans for future hap-
piness and prosperity, and "the wine fails."
Accident, loss, misfortune, cancel plans and
blight dreams. Confidence gives way to fear
and happiness to sorrow. This miracle con-
tains lessons for all who are meeting disap-
pointments.
5. How did Jesus reply when His
mother informed Him of the situa-
tion? John 2:4.
7. What instruction did Mary give
the servants? John 2:5.
NoTE.—The Revised Standard Version
reads, "Do whatever He tells you." This is
the key text of this narrative. These words
reflect the love, confidence, and trust of
Mary. They are a confession of her faith in
Jesus. Thirty years of experience had
schooled her in such perfect confidence that
in a crisis she could point to her Son and
say, "Do whatever He tells you." It was
not that He had turned water to wine
before, but Mary knew His loving, thought-
ful attitude toward everyone, and she also
knew His power. It was the faith of Mary
[6
]
that paved the way for this miracle. And it
was on this occasion that Mary's faith was
passed on to the disciples. At Jordan some
of these disciples had heard His heavenly
Father say, "This is My beloved Son, in
whom I am well pleased." At Cana, His
earthly mother adds, "Whatsoever He saith
unto you, do it."
8.
What did Jesus tell the servants
to do? John 2:6, 7.
Nom—Jesus asked the servants to use
what they had at hand. God has a remark-
able way of using man's simplest resources
to advantage if they are consecrated to
Him. The unit of measure here was the
Hebrew "bath," thought to be roughly
equivalent to the old English liquid meas-
ure, firkin. Each firkin was equal to eight
or nine gallons. This means that the capac-
ity of the water pots was, all told, approxi-
mately one hundred to one hundred and
fifty gallons. This would indicate a large
crowd at the wedding.
9.
What further command did
Jesus give the servants? John 2:8.
10.
What comment did the gover-
nor of the feast make to the bride-
groom? John 2:9, 10.
NoTE.—"As men set forth the best wine
first, then afterward that which is worse,
so does the world with its gifts. That which
it offers may please the eye and fascinate
the senses, but it proves to be unsatisfying.
The wine turns to bitterness, the gaiety to
gloom. That which was begun with songs
and mirth ends in weariness and disgust.
But the gifts of Jesus are ever fresh and
new. The feast that He provides for the
soul never fails to give satisfaction and joy.
Each new gift increases the capacity of the
receiver to appreciate and enjoy the bless-
ings of the Lord."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 148.
The Purpose and Influence
of the Miracle
11.
What was the purpose of this
miracle? John 2:11, first part.
NoTE.—This miracle revealed the loving-
kindness of Jesus. He is pictured as the
friend of mankind. "Jesus did not begin
His ministry by some great work before the
Sanhedrin at Jerusalem. At a household
gathering in a little Galilean village His
power was put forth to add to the joy of
a wedding feast. Thus He showed His
sympathy with men, and His desire to
minister to their happiness. In the wilder-
ness of temptation He Himself had drunk
the cup of woe. He came forth to give
to men the cup of blessing, by His benedic-
tion to hallow the relations of human life."
—The Desire of Ages,
page 144.
12.
What was the result of this
miracle in the lives of Jesus' disciples?
John 2:11, last part.
NoTE.—This incident was truly a lesson
in faith. The disciples believed on Jesus
because they were led to recognize His
power and His love. His disciples today are
asked to believe on the same Jesus for the
same reasons.
LESSON QUARTERLIES FOR THE BLIND
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[6]
Lesson 2,
-
for January 8, 1955
A Nobleman and a Centurion Believe in Jesus
MEMORY VERSE:
"Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man
believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way."
John 4:50.
STUDY HELP:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 196-200.
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
John 4:46-54; Matt. 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: General survey
of the lesson, based on outline.
2.
Memorize John 4:50; Key Words;
Ques. 1-3.
3.
Ques. 4, 5.
4.
Ques. 6-9.
5.
Ques. 10-12.
6.
Read "The Desire of Ages," pp. 196-
200.
7.
Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
I. Jesus Again at Cana
1.
The previous miracle at Cana. John
4:46, first part.
2.
A nobleman and his son. Verse 46,
last part.
3.
The nobleman's request. Verse 47.
II. The Necessity of Faith
1.
Jesus tests the sincerity of the
nobleman. John 4:48.
2.
The nobleman urges his request
upon the Master. Verse 49.
III.
The Reward of Faith
1.
Jesus' assurance. John 4:50, first
part.
2.
The nobleman's faith. Verse 50, last
part.
3.
The good news from Capernaum.
Verse 51.
4.
The nobleman's inquiry. Verse 52.
IV. The Progress of Faith
1.
The development of a greater faith.
John 4:53.
2.
The second miracle in Galilee.
Verse 54.
3.
A similar miracle. Matt. 8:5-13.
Key Words:
1.
Nobleman.
Margin, "courtier." This
man was evidently an official of King
Herod's court with headquarters at Caper-
naum.
2.
Signs and Wonders.
The
word
translated "signs" is the same as the word
translated "miracle" in John 4:54. It was
as if Jesus had said, "Except ye see miracles,
ye will not believe."
3.
Centurion.
Originally the centurion
was the leader of one hundred men in the
Roman army. However, the actual number
of men commanded by a centurion varied
from fifty to one hundred.
THE LESSON
Jesus Again at Cana
1. What Galilean town did Jesus
visit? What miracle had previously
been performed at that place? John
4:46, first part.
2. What needy individuals are in-
troduced at this point in the narra-
tive? John 4:46, last part. •
No7E.-Jesus ministered to all classes.
f
7]
WITH MORE LIGHT WE
SHOULD HAVE MORE FAITH.
On His previous visit to Cana He mingled
with the common people at a wedding feast.
Now He brings His blessings to a distin-
guished official. Jesus was equally at home
with the rich or the poor, the great or the
obscure. The door of faith was open to all
people who would choose to enter.
3.
What request did the nobleman
make of Jesus? John 4:47.
NOTE.—"On
reaching Cana he found a
throng surrounding Jesus. With an anxious
heart he pressed through to the Saviour's
presence. His faith faltered when he saw
only a plainly dressed man, dusty and worn
with travel. He doubted that this Person
could do what he had come to ask of Him;
yet he secured an interview with Jesus, told
his errand, and besought the Saviour to ac-
company him to his home. But already his
sorrow was known to Jesus. Before the
officer had left his home, the Saviour had
beheld his affliction."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 197, 198.
The Necessity of Faith
4.
What statement did Jesus make
in response to the nobleman's re-
quest? John 4:48.
father had, in his own mind, made condi-
tions concerning his belief in Jesus. Unless
his petition should be granted, he would not
receive Him as the Messiah. While the of-
ficer waited in an agony of suspense, Jesus
said, 'Except ye see signs and wonders, ye
will not believe.'
"Notwithstanding all the evidence that
Jesus was the Christ, the petitioner had de-
termined to make his belief in Him condi-
tional on the granting of his own request."
—
The Desire of Ages,
page 198.
This verse presents the principal lesson of
faith contained in this miracle. The noble-
man represented, at this point, a large num-
ber of people who make faith dependent on
the fulfillment of some sign. Such an atti-
tude is not real faith. Faith is a surrender,
a commitment, like that of Job when he
said, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust
in Him." Jesus was teaching the nobleman
—
and us—that men should believe
before
they see signs and wonders, not
because
they have seen signs and wonders.
5. In what words did the nobleman
renew his request? John 4:49.
NOTE.—"Yet
the nobleman had a degree
of faith; for he had come to ask what
seemed to him the most precious of all
blessings. Jesus had a greater gift to be-
stow. He desired, not only to heal the child,
but to make the officer and his household
sharers in the blessings of salvation, and to
kindle a light in Capernaum, which was so
soon to be the field of His own labors. But
the nobleman must realize his need before
he would desire the grace of Christ. This
courtier represented many of his nation.
They were interested in Jesus from selfish
motives. They hoped to receive some special
benefit through His power, and they staked
their faith on the granting of this temporal
favor; but they were ignorant as to their
spiritual disease, and saw not their need of
divine grace."—The
Desire of Ages,
page
198.
The Reward of Faith
6. What comforting words did
Jesus speak to the nobleman? John
NOTE.—"But
He knew also that the 4:50, first part.
[8
]
NOTE.—"Thy son liveth." These were
thrilling words for a father to hear. The
nobleman had made contact with the source
of life. His outreached hand of faith was
grasped by the hand of Divine Grace.
Agony and uncertainty gave way to peace
and thanksgiving.
7.
What spiritual experience took
place in the nobleman's life? John
4:50, last part.
NOTE.—The nobleman's attitude was
changed. Had his belief been conditioned
still on signs and wonders, he would have
hurried back to Capernaum to see whether
his son were really healed. "Cana was not
so far from Capernaum but that the officer
might have reached his home on the evening
after his interview with Jesus; but he did
not hasten on the homeward journey. It
was not until the next morning that he
reached Capernaum."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 199.
,
8.
What message did his servants
bring the nobleman as he was on his
way home? John 4:51.
NOTE.—"Thy son liveth." When Jesus
spoke these words, He did so because of His
divine knowledge. When the servants spoke
the same words, they did so from personal
observation. The spiritual accomplishment
of the nobleman was that he accepted the
statement as fully when Jesus spoke it as
when he heard it from his servants.
9.
What inquiry did the nobleman
make of the servants? John 4:52.
NOTE.—This was the question anyone
would have asked. It was not asked from
lack of faith but from human curiosity
which desired to know how the time of
the interview at Cana compared with the
time of the healing at Capernaum. The tim-
ing proved that divine power and love are
not hampered in their operation by such
physical factors as time and space.
The Progress of Faith
10.
What spiritual experience came
to this man and his family as the re-
sult of this experience? John 4:53.
NoTE.—In verse 50 it is said that the
man "believed" the words of Jesus. In
verse 53 it states again that he "believed."
This indicates that belief is a progressive.
experience. The nobleman's degree of sur-
render and commitment to Christ became
greater as his experience progressed.
"The nobleman longed to know more of
Christ. As he afterward heard His teaching,
he and all his household became disciples.
Their affliction was sanctified to the con-
version of the entire family."—The
Desire
of Ages,
page 200.
11.
What chronological fact is
noted regarding this miracle? John
4:54.
12.
What similar miracle was per-
formed at a later time? Matt. 8:5-13.
Compare Luke 7:1-10.
NoerE.—"Christ had said to the nobleman
whose son He healed, 'Except ye see signs
and wonders, ye will not believe.' John
4:48. He was grieved that His own nation
should require these outward signs of His
Messiahship. . . . But He marveled at the
faith of the centurion who came to Him.
The centurion did not question the Saviour's
power. He did not even ask Him to come
in person to perform the miracle. 'Speak
the word only,' he said, 'and my servant
shall be healed.'
"—The Desire of Ages,
page 315.
Some comparisons and contrasts between
these miracles are: (1) The nobleman was
a Jew, the centurion was not; (2) both
miracles actually occurred in Capernaum;
(3) both miracles were performed at a dis-
tance from the one benefited; (4) the cen-
turion showed a more mature faith than
did the nobleman.
f 9 I
, Lesson 3, for January 15, 1955
Faith Rewarded at Capernaum
MEMORY VERSE:
"And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned
among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this?
for with authority commandeth He even the unclean spirits, and they do obey
Him." Mark 1:27.
STUDY HELP:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 252-261.
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
John 4:53; Mark 1:21-34.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: General survey
of the lesson, based on outline.
2.
Memorize Mark 1:27; Key Words;
Ques. 1, 2.
3.
Ques. 3-5.
4.
Ques. 6-9.
5.
Ques. 10-13.
6.
Read "The Desire of Ages," pp. 252-
261.
7.
Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
I. The Gospel in Capernaum
1.
The awakening of interest. John
4:53.
2.
Jesus, the teacher. Mark 1:21, 22.
H. An Interruption in the Sabbath
Service
1.
The demoniac. Mark 1:23.
2.
The demon's acknowledgment. Verse
III. Jesus Stronger Than Satan
1.
The demon rebuked. Mark 1:25.
2.
The victory. Verse 26.
3.
The amazement of the people. Verse
27.
4.
The widespread fame of Jesus.
Verse 28.
IV. At the Home of Peter
1.
Entering Peter's house. Mark 1:29.
2.
Sickness in the home. Verse 30.
3.
Restoration. Verse 31.
V. Healing the Multitude
1. The enthusiastic populace. Mark
1:32, 33.
2. The universality
of
Jesus' healing.
Verse 34.
Key Words:
1.
Capernaum.•
A city on the north-
western shore of the Sea of Galilee. It is
spoken of in the Scriptures as Jesus' own
city, for He made it His headquarters dur-
ing His Galilean ministry.
2.
Synagogue.
The house of worship of
the Jews. Possibly synagogues were built
first about the time of the captivity. They
were so constructed that the worshipers
looked toward Jerusalem. The center of
worship was the chest containing the book
of the law. A raised platform and a pulpit
gave the building the semblance of a
present-day church.
3.
Unclean Spirit.
Devil possession must
be understood as an actual control of an
individual by supernatural evil powers. The
modern notion of equating demon posses-
sion with insanity must be avoided. The
symptoms of the victims might differ
widely, but the source of the difficulty in
each case was the malevolent power of
Satan..
110
THE LESSON
The Gospel in Capernaum
1.
What interest in Jesus had been
established in the city of Capernaum?
John 4:53-
NoTE.—"In Capernaum the nobleman's
son whom Christ had healed was a witness
to His power. And the court official and his
household joyfully testified of their faith.
When it was known that the Teacher Him-
self was among them, the whole city was
aroused. Multitudes flocked to His presence.
On the Sabbath the people crowded the
synagogue until great numbers had to turn
away, unable to find entrance."—The
De-
sire of Ages,
page 253.
2.
How was the teaching of Jesus
received by the people? Mark 1:21,
22.
NOTE.—The word translated "doctrine"
is often translated "teaching." This scrip-
ture calls attention to Jesus as a teacher.
In commenting on this text,
The Desire of
Ages
lists some of the characteristics of the
teaching of Jesus (pages 253 and 254)
among which are the following:
I. His Audience.
1.
Jesus met the people on their own
ground.
2.
He reached all classes.
3.
He adapted His teaching to His
audiences.
II. His Method.
4.
His language was pure, refined,
and clear.
5.
He was gracious and tactful.
6.
He was earnest.
7.
He maintained a tender, sympa-
thetic spirit.
8.
He used illustrations to teach
truth.
9.
He presented truth in a direct and
simple way.
10.
He spoke with the authority of
personal conviction and experience,
rather than with the borrowed
authority of tradition.
III. His Doctrine.
11.
He held Himself to the presenta-
tion of positive truths of the word
of God.
12.
He revealed God and the eternal
world.
13.
He revealed His familiarity with
God and heaven, and at the same
time His unity with the human
family.
14.
He placed temporal and eternal
things in their true relation to one
another.
An Interruption in the Sabbath
Service
3.
What unfortunate man was pres-
ent in the synagogue at this Sabbath
service? Mark 1:23.
NoTE.—"The secret cause of the affliction
that had made this man a fearful spectacle
to his friends and a burden to himself was
in his own life. He had been fascinated by
the pleasures of sin. . . . Intemperance and
frivolity perverted the noble attributes of
his nature, and Satan took absolute control
of him.
"Remorse came too late. When he would
have sacrificed wealth and pleasure to re-
gain his lost manhood, he had become help-
less in the grasp of the evil one. He had
placed himself on the enemy's ground, and
Satan had taken possession of all his fac-'
ulties. The tempter had allured him with
many charming presentations; but when
once the wretched man was in his power,
the fiend became relentless in his cruelty,
and terrible in his angry visitations. So it
will be with all who yield to evil; the fasci-
nating pleasure of their early career ends in
the darkness of despair or the madness of
a ruined soul."—The
Desire of Ages,
page
256.
4.
What acknowledgment did the
evil spirit make through the lips of
the demon-possessed man? Mark 1:24.
NOTE.—"The mind of this wretched suf-
ferer had been darkened by Satan, but in
the Saviour's presence a ray of light had
pierced the gloom. He was roused to long
for freedom from Satan's control; but the
demon resisted the power of Christ. When
the man tried to appeal to Jesus for help,
the evil spirit put words into his mouth,
and he cried out in an agony of fear. The
demoniac partially comprehended that he
was in the presence of One who could set
him free; but when he tried to come within
reach of that mighty hand, another's will
held him, another's words found utterance
through him. The conflict between the
power of Satan and his own desire for free-
dom was terrible."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 255.
Jesus Stronger Than Satan
5.
With what words did Jesus re-
buke the evil spirit? Mark 1:25.
NoTE.—Just a short time before, Jesus
had stated in the synagogue at Nazareth
that one of His objectives was "to preach
deliverance to the captives." Now His
ability to do this is challenged. With calm
dignity He says to the evil spirit, "Hold thy
peace, and come out of him." Jesus had
met Satan before in the wilderness and had
triumphed. His entire ministry was a series
of victories over the enemy of God and
man.
"The period of Christ's personal ministry
among men was the time of greatest activ-
ity for the forces of the kingdom of dark-
ness. For ages Satan with his evil angels
had been seeking to control the bodies and
the souls of men, to bring upon them sin
and suffering ; then he had charged all this
misery upon God. Jesus was revealing to
men the character of God. He was break-
ing Satan's power, and setting his captives
free. New life and love and power from
heaven were moving upon the hearts of
men, and the prince of evil was aroused to
contend for the supremacy of his kingdom.
Satan summoned all his forces, and at every
step contested the work of Christ."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 257.
6.
With what manifestations of sa-
tanic hatred did the unclean spirit
depart from the man? Mark 1:26.
"NOT UNTIL THE LAST SUFFERER HAD SEEN
RELIEVED DID JESUS CEASE HIS WORK."
Nom.—"Every man is free to choose
what power he will have to rule over him.
None have fallen so low, none are so vile,
but that they can find deliverance in Christ.
The demoniac, in place of prayer, could
utter only the words of Satan; yet the
heart's unspoken appeal was heard. No cry
from a soul in need, though it fail of utter-
ance in words, will be unheeded."—The
De-
sire of Ages,
page 258.
7.
What was the reaction of the
onlookers? Mark 1:27.
NOTE.—The amazement and questioning
that followed this miracle no doubt proved
for many to be the awakening of faith in
Jesus. Experiences that bring surprise and
wonder sometimes result in deeper under-
standing.
8.
How widely did the news of this
incident spread? Mark 1:28.
At the Home of Peter
9.
After the service in the syna-
gogue, where did Jesus go? Who
accompanied Him? Mark 1:29. Corn-
pare Matt. 8:14; Luke 4:38.
[ 12
I
10.
Who was ill in this household?
Mark 1:30.
NoTE.—Peter and the other disciples were
receiving a marvelous introduction to the
breadth of the ministry of Jesus. Peter, at
the wedding feast at Cana, saw the power
of Jesus at work on the social level. On the
occasion of the miraculous draft of fishes
(Luke 5:1-11) Peter had seen Jesus at work
meeting the material needs of men. This
very same Sabbath in the synagogue Peter
had witnessed the power of Jesus speaking
to the hearts of men. Now, in his own
home, Peter sees Jesus ministering in the
confines of a simple home. Jesus is inter-
ested in every aspect of human lives. Faith
has its place in every legitimate pursuit
of man.
11.
What did Jesus do for the suf-
ferer? With what results? Mark 1:31.
Healing the Multitude
12.
After the Sabbath, who con-
gregated about the door of Peter's
house? Mark
1:32, 33.
NOTE.—"Tidings of the work of Christ
spread rapidly throughout Capernaum. For
fear of the rabbis, the people dared not
come for healing upon the Sabbath; but no
sooner had the sun disappeared below the
horizon than there was a great commotion.
From the homes, the shops, the market
places, the inhabitants of the city pressed
toward the humble dwelling that sheltered
Jesus. The sick were brought upon couches,
they came leaning upon staffs, or, supported
by friends, they tottered feebly into the
Saviour's presence."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 259.
13.
What miracles did Jesus per-
form for the multitude? Mark 1:34.
NOTE.—Jesus brought happiness. "The
air was filled with the voice of triumph and
shouts of deliverance. The Saviour was
joyful in the joy He had awakened. . . .
"Not until the last sufferer had been
relieved did Jesus cease His work. It was
far into the night when the multitude de-
parted, and silence settled down upon the
home of Simon."—The
Desire of Ages,
page
259.
Lesson 4, for January 22, 1955
Forgiveness Through Faith
MEMORY VERSE:
"And when He saw their faith, He said unto him, Man, thy sins
are forgiven thee." Luke 5:20.
STUDY HELP:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 267-271.
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Mark 2:1-12; Matt. 9:1-8; Luke 5:17-26.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: General survey
of the lesson, based on outline.
2.
Memorize Luke 5:20; Key Words;
Ques. 1, 2.
3.
Ques. 3-6.
4.
Ques. 7-9.
5.
Ques. 10-12.
6.
Read "The Desire of Ages," pp. 267-
271; begin reviewing lesson.
7.
Finish reviewing lesson.
[ 13
Lesson Outline:
I. Jesus Revisits Capernaum
1.
In Capernaum again. Mark 2:1.
2.
The eager crowds. Verse 2.
II. Faith Conquers Obstacles
1.
The palsied man. Mark 2:3.
2.
The resourcefulness of his friends.
Verse 4.
III. Jesus Forgives Sin
1.
The man's greatest need-forgive-
ness. Mark 2:5.
2.
The objection of the critics. Verses
6, 7.
IV. Jesus Heals
1.
The critics answered. Mark 2:8, 9.
2.
Complete restoration. Verses 10-12,
first part.
3.
The effect on the people. Verse 12,
last part; Matt. 9:8; Luke 5:26.
V. The Doctrine of Forgiveness
1.
Forgiveness and cleansing. 1 John
1:9.
2.
The measure of forgiveness. Matt.
6:12; 18:21, 22, 35.
3.
A result of faith. Rom. 3:22-25.
Key Words:
1.
Palsy.
The word is a shortened form
of
paralysis.
2.
Forgive.
Back of the English word
lies the Greek word
aphiemi,
which is trans-
lated "put away" in 1 Corinthians 7:12 and
"yielded up" in Matthew 27:50. Divine
forgiveness of sins involves a change in the
life and the attitude of the sinner. God's
forgiveness does not produce security for
an unrepentant sinner. When God forgives,
He "puts away" sin in a sense that the
forgiven sinner is a different person. The
prerequisite for such forgiveness is faith.
THE LESSON
Jesus Revisits Capernaum
1.
What indicates that Capernaum
was "home" to Jesus? Mark 2:1;
Matt. 9:1.
NoTE.-The expression "in the house" is
translated in some versions as "at home."
"Jesus was teaching in the house of Peter."
-The Desire of Ages,
page 268.
2.
What is revealed regarding
Jesus' popularity at this stage of His
ministry? Mark 2:2.
Faith Conquers Obstacles
3.
What unfortunate man was
brought to Jesus? Mark 2:3. Com-
pare Luke 5:18.
NoTE.-"Like the leper, this paralytic
had lost all hope of recovery. His disease
was the result of a life of sin, and his suf-
ferings were embittered by remorse. He had
long before appealed to the Pharisees and
doctors, hoping for relief from mental suf-
fering and physical pain. But they coldly
pronounced him incurable, and abandoned
him to the wrath of God. The Pharisees
regarded affliction as an evidence of divine
displeasure, and they held themselves aloof
from the sick and the needy. Yet often
these very ones who exalted themselves as
holy were more guilty than the sufferers
they condemned."-The
Desire of Ages,
page 267.
4.
How did the friends of the sick
man overcome obstacles in bringing
him to Jesus? Mark 2:4.
NoTE.-"Again and again the bearers of
the paralytic tried to push their way
through the crowd, but in vain. The sick
man looked about him in unutterable an-
guish. When the longed-for help was so
near, how could he relinquish hope? At his
suggestion his friends bore him to the top
of the house and, breaking up the roof, let
him down at the feet of Jesus."-The
Desire
of Ages,
page 268.
[ 14 ]
ARE WE 50 EARNEST IN
GETTING MEN TO CHRIST
WE WOULD TEAR OFF THE
ROOF OF THE HOUSE?
Faith is often manifested by unwavering
determination that finds ways to overcome
obstacles. These friends were so sure that
Jesus could help that they were unwilling
to give up. Faith results in good works
such as this.
Jesus Forgives Sin
5.
What did Jesus say to the sick
man? Mark 2:5. Compare Matt. 9:2;
Luke 5:20.
NOTE.—"Christ's work for the paralytic
is an illustration of the way we are to work.
Through his friends this man had heard of
Jesus and requested to be brought into the
presence of the mighty Healer. The Saviour
knew that the paralytic had been tortured
by the suggestions of the priests that be-
cause of his sins God had cast him off.
Therefore His first work was to give him
peace of mind. 'Son,' He said, 'thy sins be
forgiven thee.' This assurance filled his
heart with peace and
joy."—Testimonies,
vol.
6, p. 234.
"There are today thousands suffering
from physical disease, who, like the par-
alytic, are longing for the message, 'Thy
sins are forgiven.' The burden of sin, with
its unrest and unsatisfied desires, is the
foundation of their maladies. They can
find no relief until they come to the Healer
of the soul. The peace which He alone can
give would impart vigor to the mind, and
health to the body."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 270.
6.
What objection to Jesus' state;
ment was raised in the hearts of some
of the listeners? Mark
2:6, 7.
NoTE.—These critics represented a deca-
dent religion made up of rules and outward
formalities. Their purpose was to protect
tradition against anything that looked new
to them. "The power of the Lord was
present to heal them," but they were not
healed because they did not believe.
This is a striking example of how a right
principle can be misused. It was true that
only God could forgive sins. The critics
would not accept the fact that Jesus was
God.
Jesus Heals
7.
How did Jesus answer the secret
thoughts of His critics? Mark 2:8, 9.
Nom—Jesus' ability to read their
thoughts should have convinced His critics
that He was from God. But to give them
unmistakable evidence of His power to for-
give sins, Jesus challenged them with a
question relative to His power to heal.
'
8.
How did Jesus demonstrate His
power to forgive sins? Mark 2:10-12,
first part. Compare Matt. 9:6, 7.
NoTE.—This incident gives insight into
the purpose of Jesus' miracles of healing.
He healed men's bodies to demonstrate His
power to heal men's souls.
"It required nothing less than creative
power to restore health to that decaying
body. The same voice that spoke life to
man created 'from the dust of the earth had
spoken life to the dying paralytic. And the
same power that gave life to the body had
renewed the heart. He who at the creation
`snake, and it was,' who 'commanded, and
it stood fast' (Ps. 33:9), had spoken life to
the soul dead in trespasses and sins. The
healing of the body was an evidence of the
power that had renewed the heart. Christ
[ 15 ]
bade the paralytic arise and walk 'that ye
may know,' He said, 'that the Son of man
hath power on earth to forgive sins.'
"—
The Desire of Ages,
pages 269, 270.
9.
What was the effect on the peo-
ple? Mark 2:12, last part; Matt. 9:8;
Luke 5:26.
NoTE.—"The effect produced' upon the
people by the healing of the paralytic was
as if heaven had opened, and revealed the
glories of the better world. As the man who
had been cured passed through the multi-
tude, blessing God at every step, and bear-
ing his burden as if it were a feather's
weight, the people fell back to give him
room, and with awe-stricken faces gazed
upon him, whispering softly among them-
selves, 'We have seen strange things today.' "
—The Desire of Ages,
page 270.
The Doctrine of Forgiveness
10.
In what words did John, who
witnessed this miracle, later express
the doctrine of forgiveness? 1 John
1:9.
NoTE.—There is no salvation apart from
forgiveness of sins. There can be no forgive-
ness apart from faith. And faith brings
conviction, repentance, and confession. Just
as Jesus was willing and able to restore
men's bodies, so He is able and willing to
forgive their sins.
11.
In stressing the doctrine of for-
giveness, what did Jesus state would
be the measure of forgiveness? Matt.
6:12; 18:21, 22, 35.
NoTE.—The healing of the paralytic
teaches that men are forgiven in response
to their faith in God. Jesus makes it clear
that the willingness to forgive our fellow
men is also essential. Just as the law of God
includes love for God and love for man, so
forgiveness is conditional upon faith in God
and forgiveness by man of his fellows.
12.
How are remission of sin and
righteousness received? Rom. 3:22-25.
Lesson
for January.29, 1955
Jesus Heals on,the Sabbath
MEMORY VERSE:
"But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I
work." John 5:17.
STUDY HELP:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 201-213.
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
John 5:1-21.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: General survey
of the lesson, based on outline.
2.
Memorize John 5:17; Key Words;
Ques. 1-3.
3.
Ques. 4-7.
4.
Ques. 8-10.
5.
Ques. 11-13.
6.
"The Desire of Ages," pp. 201-213.
7.
Review entire lesson.
[ 16 ]
Lesson Outline:
3. Source of Jesus' power. Verses 18-
21.
I. Jesus at the Pool of Bethesda
1.
Jesus goes to Jerusalem. John 5:1.
2.
The pool of disappointed hopes.
Verse 2.
3.
The popular superstition. Verses 3, 4.
II. The Sufferer Healed
1.
A chronic invalid. John 5:5.
2.
Jesus' question. Verse 6.
3.
The reply of a discouraged man.
Verse 7.
4.
Jesus' command. Verses 8, 9.
III. Proper Sabbathkeeping
1.
The objection of the critics. John
5:10.
2.
Action defended. Verses 11-13.
3.
Jesus' counsel to the healed man.
Verse 14.
IV. Refuting the Objections of His Critics
1.
Opposition of Jews. John 5:15, 16.
2.
Objections answered. Verse 17.
Key Words:
1.
Bethesda.
"The Hebrew name of a
reservoir or tank, with five 'porches,' close
upon the sheepgate or 'market' in Jerusa-
lem. The porches-cloisters or colonnades-
were extensive enough to accommodate a
large number of sick and infirm people,
whose custom it was to wait there for the
`troubling of the water.' "-Smith,
Diction-
ary of the Bible,
1906 ed., p. 113.
In 1888 there was discovered beneath the
church of St. Anne, north of Birket, Israel,
the site which is now identified with the pool
of Bethesda. It consists of twin pools with
arches, which fit the Bible description. On a
wall was a faded fresco of the troubling
of the waters.
2.
Bed.
A pallet, or bedding roll, which
the individual could roll up and carry about
at will.
THE LESSON
Jesus at the Pool of Bethesda
1.
What occasion again brought
Jesus to Jerusalem? John 5:1.
NoTE.-While the record does not spe-
cifically state what feast this was, there is
good reason to believe that it was a Pass-
over.
2.
What place provided the setting
for this lesson? John 5:2.
3.
Why did sick people congregate
at this pool? John 5:3, 4.
NOTE.-It is interesting to note that the
fourth verse is omitted in some of the an-
cient manuscripts. For this reason the
English Revised Version of 1881 and the
American Revised Version of 1901 and the
Revised Standard Version of 1946 omit the
fourth verse. It is possible that this verse
was added as a marginal note to the original
text by some early copyist to account for
the presence of the sick people at the pool,
and later it came to be incorporated into
the Bible text. This explanation is in har-
mony with the following inspired comment:
"At certain seasons the waters of this pool
were agitated, and
it was commonly be-
lieved
that this was the result of super-
natural power. . .
"He saw the wretched sufferers watching
for that
which they supposed
to be their
only chance of cure."-The
Desire of Ages,
page 201. (Italics supplied.)
There were two pools, the upper of which
overflowed periodically into the lower one,
thus causing the agitation of the water,
which tradition had attributed to some
supernatural cause.
The Sufferer Healed
4.
What man did Jesus particularly
notice on this occasion? John 5:5.
[ 17 ]
"THE SABBATH WAS MADE
FOR
MAN:' IT IS A TIME
TO BE A BLESSING TO
OTHERS-
NOTE. "His
disease was in a great degree
the result of his own sin, and was looked
upon as a judgment from God. Alone and
friendless, feeling that he was shut out from
God's mercy, the sufferer had passed long
years of misery."—The
Desire of Ages,
page
202.
5.
What question did Jesus ask this
man? John 5:6.
6.
How did the man reply? John
5:7.
NoTE.—"The sick man was lying on his
mat, and occasionally lifting his head to
gaze at the pool, when a tender, compas-
sionate face bent over him, and the words,
`Wilt thou be made whole?' arrested his
attention. Hope came to his heart. He felt
that in some way he was to have help. But
the glow of encouragement soon faded. He
remembered how often he had tried to
reach the pool, and now he had little pros-
pect of living till it should again be troubled.
He turned away wearily, saying, 'Sir, I have
no man, when the water is troubled, to put
me into the pool; but while I am coming,
another steppeth down before
me."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 202.
7.
What was the result of the in-
valid's response to the command of
Jesus? John 5:8, 9.
NoTE.—This incident provides an out-
standing illustration of the way Jesus saves
men. The man was asked to do what seemed
impossible. "The man's faith takes hold
upon that word. Every nerve and muscle
thrills with new life, and healthful action
comes to his crippled limbs. Without ques-
tion he sets his will to obey the command
of Christ, and all his muscles respond to his
will. Springing to his feet, he finds himself
an active man. . . .
"Through the same faith we may receive
spiritual healing. By sin we have been
severed from the life of God. Our souls are
palsied. Of ourselves we are no more capa-
ble of living a holy life than was the impo-
tent man capable of walking. There are
many who realize their helplessness, and
who long for that spiritual life which will
bring them into harmony with God; they
are vainly striving to obtain it. In despair
they cry, '0 wretched man that I am! who
shall deliver me from this body of death?'
Rom. 7:24, margin. Let these desponding,
struggling ones look up. The Saviour is
bending over the purchase of His blood,
saying with inexpressible tenderness and
pity, 'Wilt thou be made whole?' He bids
you arise in health and peace. Do not wait
to feel that you are made whole. Believe
His word, and it will be fulfilled. Put your
will on the side of Christ. Will to serve
Him, and in acting upon His word you will
receive strength. Whatever may be the evil
practice, the master passion which through
long indulgence binds both soul and body,
Christ is able and longs to deliver. He will
impart life to the soul that is 'dead in tres-
passes.' Eph. 2:1. He will set free the cap-
tive that is held by weakness and misfor-
tune and the chains of
sin."—The Desire of
Ages,
pages 202, 203.
Proper Sabbathkeeping
8.
What objection did Jesus' critics
raise? John 5:10.
Nora.—Here
is
an example of how the
Jews perverted the laws of God and
brought them into disrepute. True, there
was a law against carrying a burden on the
[ 18 ]
Sabbath (compare Jer. 17:21, 22), but it
was not applicable to this particular case.
It referred to the carrying on of gainful
employment on Sabbath, with unnecessary
bearing of burdens, and carelessness in
preparation for the Sabbath.
"The Jews had so perverted the law that
they made it a yoke of bondage. Their
meaningless requirements had become a by-
word among other nations. Especially was
the Sabbath hedged in by all manner of
senseless restrictions."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 204.
"He [Jesus] had come to free the Sab-
bath from those burdensome requirements
that had made it a curse instead of a bless-
ing.
"For this reason He had chosen the Sab-
bath upon which to perform the act of
healing at Bethesda. He could have healed
the sick man as well on any other day of
the week; or He might simply have cured
him, without bidding him bear away his
bed. But this would not have given Him
the opportunity He desired. A wise purpose
underlay every act of Christ's life on earth.
Everything He did was important in itself
and in its teaching. Among the afflicted ones
at the pool He selected the worst case upon
whom to exercise His healing power, and
bade the man carry his bed through the city
in order to publish the great work that had
been wrought upon him. This would raise
the question of what it was lawful to do on
the Sabbath, and would open the way for
Him to denounce the restrictions of the
Jews in regard to the Lord's day, and to
declare their traditions void."—The
Desire
of Ages,
page 206.
9.
How did the healed man defend
his Sabbath activity? John 5:11-13.
10.
What counsel did Jesus give
the man? John 5:14.
Refuting the Objections
of His Critics
11.
What measures did the Jews
take against Jesus? John 5:15, 16.
12.
How did Jesus meet the objec-
tions of His critics? John 5:17.
NOTE.="Jesus stated to them that the
work of relieving the afflicted was in har-
mony with the Sabbath law. . . . If the
Jews' interpretation of the law was correct,
then Jehovah was at fault, whose work has
quickened and upheld every living thing
since first He laid the foundations of the
earth; then He who pronounced His work
good, and instituted the Sabbath to com-
memorate its completion, must put a period
to His labor, and stop the never-ending
routine of the universe."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 206.
13.
How did Jesus describe His re-
lationship to His Father? John 5:18-
21.
NOTE.—"My authority, He said, for doing
the work of which you accuse Me, is that
I am the Son of God, one with Him in
nature, in will, and in purpose. In all His
works of creation and providence, I co-
operate with God."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 208.
FOREIGN-LANGUAGE SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLIES
The senior "Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly" is published in
the following foreign
languages: Bohemian, Danish-Norwegian,
German, Hungarian, Italian,
Polish, Russian, Serbian, Slovakian,
Spanish, Swedish, Ukrainian, and Yugoslavian. Order from the
International Branch of the Pacific Press at Brookfield, Illinois.
[ 19 ]
Lesson 6, for February 5, 1955
Power Over Tempests and Demons
MEMORY VERSE:
"And He said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being
afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of Man is this! for He
commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey Him." Luke 8:25.
STUDY HELP:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 333-341.
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Mark 4:36-40; 5:14-20; Matt. 8:28-32.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: General survey
of the lesson, based on outline.
2.
Memorize Luke 8:25; Key Words;
Ques. 1-3.
3.
Ques. 4-6.
4.
Ques. 7-10.
5.
Ques. 11-14.
6.
Read "The Desire of Ages," pp. 333-
341.
7.
Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
I. The Close of an Eventful Day
1.
The desire to leave the multitude.
Mark 4:35, 36.
2.
The weariness of Jesus. Verse 38,
first part.
3.
The destination of Jesus and the
disciples. Matt. 8:18; Mark 4:35.
II. Storm on the Lake
1.
Disciples are in distress. Mark 4:37.
2.
They call upon Jesus. Verse 38, last
part.
3.
Jesus rebukes the wind. Verse 39.
III Lessons From the Turbulent Sea
1.
Jesus' appeal for faith. Mark 4:40.
2.
Like the troubled sea. Isa. 57:20, 21.
IV. The Demoniacs
1.
Among the tombs. Matt. 8:28.
2.
Jesus challenged. Verse 29.
3.
Deliverance from demons. Verses
30-32.
4.
Heaven's valuation of a
soul. Luke
15:7.
5.
Aroused populace. Mark 5:14-17.
6.
Home missionaries. Verses 18-20.
Key Words:
I. Tempest.
"It would be difficult to
imagine a more beautiful sheet of water
than that which is known as the Sea of
Galilee. Of course, it is not a sea but a
lovely inland lake. It is only about thirteen
miles in length and seven miles in breadth.
Its clear water is supplied and again drained
by the river Jordan. It lies six hundred
and fifty feet below the level of the sea,
and to the north rises the summit of Mount
Hermon, which is clad in perpetual snow.
Because of such a situation great currents
of air frequently roll down from the sur-
rounding hills and sweep the surface of the
lake with sudden and fierce storms."-Erd-
man,
The Gospel of Matthew,
page 116.
2. Gadara.
A city, east of the Sea of
Galilee, said by Josephus to be the capital
of Perea. A large district was attached to
it. The area is known for its rough terrain
and for its tombs. The term "Gergesenes"
is sometimes used rather than the more
familiar term, "Gadarenes."
[ 20
THE LESSON
The Close of an Eventful Day
Storm on the Lake
1.
After a day of teaching, what
did Jesus and His disciples do? Mark
4:35, 36.
NOTE.—The
events of this lesson bring to
a close what is spoken of as "the busy day"
of Jesus' ministry. Doubtless Jesus experi-
enced many such "busy days," but this one
is especially worthy of note. The events of
the day may be traced by reading Matthew
12:22 to 13:53; and Mark 4:35-41. It
should be noted that the "Parables of the
Kingdom" were given during this day.
2.
What statement indicates• the
weariness of Jesus on this occasion?
Mark 4:38, first part.
NoTE.—"All day He had been teaching
and healing; and as evening came on, the
crowds still pressed upon Him. Day after
day He had ministered to them, scarcely
pausing for food or rest. The malicious
criticism and misrepresentation with which
the Pharisees constantly pursued Him made
His labors much more severe and harassing;
and now the close of the day found Him so
utterly wearied that He determined to seek
retirement in some solitary place across the
lake."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 333.
3.
What was the destination of
Jesus and His disciples? Matt. 8:18;
Mark 4:35.
NOTE.—"The
eastern shore of Gennesaret
was not uninhabited, for there were towns
here and there beside the lake; yet it was
a desolate region when compared with the
western side. It contained a population
more heathen than Jewish, and had little
communication with Galilee. Thus it of-
fered Jesus the seclusion He sought, and He
now bade His disciples accompany Him
thither."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 333,
334.
4.
What dangerous situation arose
during the journey? Mark 4:37. Com-
pare Matt. 8:24; Luke 8:23.
NoTE.—"Absorbed in their efforts to save
themselves, they had forgotten that Jesus
was on board. Now, seeing their labor
vain and only death before them, they re-
membered at whose command they had set
out to cross the sea. In Jesus was their only
hope. In their helplessness and despair they
cried, 'Master, Master!' But the dense
darkness hid Him from their sight. Their
voices were drowned by the roaring of the
tempest, and there was no reply. Doubt
and fear assailed them. Had Jesus for-
saken them? Was He who had conquered
disease and demons, and even death, power-
less to help His disciples now? Was He un-
mindful of them in their distress?
"Again they call, but there is no answer
except the shrieking of the angry blast. Al-
ready their boat is sinking. A moment, and
apparently they will be swallowed up by
the hungry waters."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 334.
5.
When they found Jesus asleep,
how did they express their alarm?
Mark 4:38, last part.
NoTE.—"Suddenly a flash of lightning
pierces the darkness, and they see Jesus
lying asleep, undisturbed by the tumult. In
amazement and despair they exclaim,
`Master, carest Thou not that we perish?'
How can He rest so peacefully while they
are in danger and battling with death?
"Their cry arouses Jesus. As the light-
ning's glare reveals Him, they see the peace
of heaven in His face; they read in His
glance self-forgetful, tender love, and, their
hearts turning to Him, cry, 'Lord, save us;
we perish.'
"Never did a soul utter that cry un-
heeded."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 334,
335.
[21
1
A5 IN THE LONG
AGO,
JESUS TODAY SAYS TO
THE GRIEF-STRICKEN:
PEACE, BE' STILL."
6.
What was Jesus' response to the
disciples' cry of distress? Mark 4:39.
Lessons From the Turbulent Sea
7.
What rebuke did He give His
disciples? Mark 4:40. Compare Luke
8:25.
NoTE.—Jesus had every reason to expect
the disciples to have faith in such a time of
danger. Had they not witnessed miracle
after miracle? Surely the Master who had
turned the water to wine, healed the para-
lytic, and restored the demoniac would not
forsake them now. But human faith is
weak. The present danger causes past ex-
periences, however great, to be forgotten.
8.
By what figure does the prophet
describe the wicked? Isa. 57:20, 21.
NOTE.—
"
There is another spiritual lesson
in this miracle of the stilling of the tempest.
Every man's experience testifies to the truth
of the words of Scripture, 'The wicked
are like the troubled sea, when it cannot
rest. . . . There is no peace, saith my God,
to the wicked.' Isa. 57:20, 21. Sin has
destroyed our peace. While self is unsub-
dued, we can find no rest. The masterful
passions of the heart no human power can
control. We are as helpless here as were the
disciples to quiet the raging storm. But He
who spoke peace to the billows of Galilee
has spoken the word of peace for every
soul. However fierce the tempest, those who
turn to Jesus with the cry, 'Lord, save us,'
will find deliverance. His grace, that recon-
ciles the soul to God, quiets the strife of
human passion, and in His love the heart is
at rest. 'He maketh the storm a calm, so
that the waves thereof are still. Then are
they glad because they be quiet; so He
bringeth them unto their desired haven.'
Ps. 107:29, 30. 'Being justified by faith, we
have peace with God through our Lord
Jesus Christ.' The work of righteousness
shall be peace; and the effect of righteous-
ness quietness and assurance forever' Rom.
5:1; Isa.
32:17."—The Desire of Ages,
pages
336, 337.
The Demoniacs
9.
What did Jesus and His disciples
find on the other side of the lake?
Matt. 8:28.
NOTE.—"From some hiding place among
the tombs, two madmen rushed upon them
as if to tear them in pieces. Hanging about
these men were parts of chains which they
had broken in escaping from confinement.
Their flesh was torn and bleeding where
they had cut themselves with sharp stones.
Their eyes glared out from their long and
matted hair, the very likeness of humanity
seemed to have been blotted out by the
demons that possessed them, and they
looked more like wild beasts than like
men."—The Desire of Ages,
page 337.
10.
How did the demons show their
recognition of Jesus? Matt. 8:29.
11.
What happened in response to
Jesus' command that the devils come
out of the men? Matt. 8:30-32. Com-
pare Mark 5:9-13.
NorE.—"The question is often raised as
to just what is meant by demon possession.
Some claim that it is merely figurative ex-
[22]
pression for moral evil and depravity;
others teach that it is descriptive of physical
or, more definitely, of mental disease and
specifically of insanity. No other narrative
shows more clearly that demon possession
denotes the mysterious but real control of a
human body and soul by actual spirits of
supernatural power, cruel, satanic, malign.
It was not merely a disordered brain which
enabled this poor sufferer at once to recog-
nize Jesus as the 'Son of the Most High
God;' it was not a 'mental disease' that
feared to be sent 'out of the country,' that
Jesus commanded to come out of the man
and permitted to enter into the herd of
swine. This man . . . was not a maniac
but a demoniac."—Erdman,
The Gospel of
Mark,
page 80.
12. What is Heaven's estimate of
the value of one soul? Luke 15:7.
NOTE.—"The value of a soul, who can
estimate? Would you know its worth, go
to Gethsemane, and there watch with Christ
through those hours of anguish, when He
sweat as it were great drops of blood. Look
upon the Saviour uplifted on the cross.
Hear that despairing cry, 'My God, My
God, why hast Thou forsaken Me ?' Look
upon the wounded head, the pierced side,
the marred feet. Remember that Christ
risked all. For our redemption, heaven itself
was imperiled. At the foot of the cross,
remembering that for one sinner Christ
would have laid down His life, you may
estimate the value of a
soul."—Christ's Ob-
ject Lessons,
page 196.
13.
To what extent did this inci-
dent stir the populace? Mark 5:14-17.
Compare Luke 8:34-37.
14.
What were the restored demo-
niacs commanded to do? With what
results? Mark 5:18-20. Compare
Luke 8:38-40.
NOTE.—"For a few moments only, these
men had been privileged to hear the teach-
ings of Christ. Not one sermon from His
lips had ever fallen upon their ears. They
could not instruct the people as the disciples
who had been daily with Christ were able
to do. But they bore in their own persons
the evidence that Jesus was the Messiah.
They could tell what they knew; what they
themselves had seen, and heard, and felt of
the power of Christ. This is what everyone
can do whose heart has been touched by the
grace of God."—The
Desire of Ages,
page
340.
Lesson 7, for February 12, 1955
The Faith That Heals
MEMORY VERSE:
"And He said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith
hath made thee whole; go in peace." Luke 8:48.
STUDY HELP:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 342-348.
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Mark 5:22-43.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: General survey
of the lesson, based on outline.
2.
Memorize Luke 8:48; Key Words;
Ques. 1, 2.
3.
Ques. 3-6.
4.
Ques. 7-11.
5.
Ques. 12, 13; review first part of
lesson.
6.
Read "The Desire of Ages," pp. 342-
348.
7.
Review last part of lesson.
[ 23
I
Lesson Outline:
I. Jairus Comes to Jesus
1.
Falls at His feet. Mark 5:22.
2.
Makes his request. Verse 23.
II. Touch of Faith
1.
The infirm woman's desire for heal-
ing. Mark 5:25-27
.
2.
The expression of her faith. Verse
28.
3.
Jesus' response to her faith. Verses
29-33.
4.
His comforting words. Verse 34.
III. Sad News From Jairus's House
1.
"Thy daughter is dead." Mark 5:35.
2.
Jesus' challenge to believe. Verse 36.
3.
The scene at Jairus's house. Verses
37, 38.
4.
Jesus' surprising statement. Verse
39.
5.
The raising of Jairus's daughter.
Verses 40-43.
IV. Jesus' Response to Faith Without
Respect of Persons
1.
No respecter of persons. Acts 10:34.
2.
Rich in faith. James 2:5.
Key Words:
1.
Virtue.
A more correct translation is
"power." The Greek word is
dunamis,
which implies ability or strength. Appar-
ently when the woman touched Jesus' gar-
ment He was aware, in some way that we
cannot understand, that He had been in-
strumental in working a miracle. The power
had gone out of Jesus not in the sense of
loss, but in the sense of application to need.
2.
Made whole.
Mark 5:34 is an in-
stance of the use of the Greek term which
is sometimes translated "made whole" and
sometimes "saved." It is significant that
the relationship between curing a sick per-
son and saving a sinner is so close that the
same word was sometimes used to describe
both transactions.
THE LESSON
Jairus Comes to Jesus
1.
Who came to Jesus, and in what
attitude? Mark 5:22. Compare Luke
8:41. •
2.
What was his request? Mark
5:23.
NoTE.-"Jesus set out at once with the
ruler for his home. Though the disciples had
seen so many of His works of mercy, they
were surprised at His compliance with the
entreaty of the haughty rabbi; yet they ac-
companied their Master, and the people fol-
lowed, eager and expectant."-The
Desire
of Ages,
page 342.
The faith of Jairus was not so great as
was that of the Roman centurion who felt it
unnecessary for Jesus to come to his house.
However, the ruler's faith was genuine, and
Jesus honored it.
Touch of Faith
3.
While Jesus was on His way to
the home of Jairus, what unfortunate
person sought help from Him? Mark
5:25-27.
NOTE.
-"The
ruler's house was not far
distant, but Jesus and His companions ad-
vanced slowly, for the crowd pressed Him
on every side. The anxious father was im-
patient of delay; but Jesus, pitying the
people, stopped now and then to relieve
some suffering one, or to comfort a troubled
heart."-The
Desire of Ages,
page 342.
"On the way to the ruler's house, Jesus
had met, in the crowd, a poor woman who
for twelve years had suffered from a disease
that made her life a burden. She had spent
all her means upon physicians and remedies,
only to be pronounced incurable. But her
hopes revived when she heard of the cures
that Christ performed. She felt assured that
if she could only go to Him she would be
p. 343.
[24
1
4.
What method did the woman
use in trying to avail herself of Jesus'
healing power?• Mark 5:28.
NoTE.—"Fearful of losing her one chance
of relief, she pressed forward, saying to her-
self, 'If I may but touch His garment, I
shall be whole.' As He was passing, she
reached forward, and succeeded in barely
touching the border of His garment. But
in that moment she knew that she was
healed. In that one touch was concentrated
the faith of her life, and instantly her pain
and feebleness gave place to the vigor of
perfect health."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages
343, 344.
5.
What was Jesus' response to her
act? Mark 5:29-33. Compare Luke
8:45-47.
NOTE.—"The Saviour could distinguish
the touch of faith from the casual contact
of the careless throng. Such trust should
not be passed without comment. He would
speak to the humble woman words of com-
fort that would be to her a wellspring of
joy,—words that would be a blessing to His
followers to the close of time."—The
Desire
of Ages,
page 344.
6.
What kind words did Jesus
speak to the woman? Mark 5:34.
M
WE MAY BE POOR,
BUT 'THROUGH FAITH
WE HAVE TREASURE
UNLIMITED!
faith that is unto salvation is not a mere
intellectual assent to the truth. He who
waits for entire knowledge before he will
exercise faith cannot receive blessing from
God. It is not enough to believe
about
Christ; we must believe
in Him.
The only
faith that will benefit us is that which em-
braces Him as a personal Saviour; which
appropriates His merits to ourselves. Many
hold faith as an opinion. Saving faith is a
transaction by which those who receive
Christ join themselves in covenant relation
with God. Genuine faith is life. A living
faith means an increase of vigor, a confiding
trust, by which the soul becomes a con-
quering power."—The
Desire of Ages,
page
347.
Sad News From Jairus's House
NoTE.—"He gave no opportunity for su-
perstition to claim healing virtue for the
mere act of touching His garments. It was
not through the outward contact with Him,
but through the faith which took hold on
His divine power, that the cure was wrought.
"The wondering crowd that pressed close
about Christ realized no accession of vital
power. But when the suffering woman put
forth her hand to touch Him, believing that
she would be made whole, she felt the heal-
ing virtue. So in spiritual things. To talk
of religion in a casual way, to pray without
soul hunger and living faith, avails nothing.
A nominal faith in Christ, which accepts
Him merely as the Saviour of the world,
can never bring healing to the soul. The
7.
What message came from the
home of Jairus? Mark 5:35.
8.
What encouraging admonition
did Jesus give? Mark 5:36.
NoTE.—Jairus had just seen an evidence
of Jesus' power. He had heard Jesus say to
the woman, "Thy faith hath made thee
whole." Now Jairus's faith is challenged.
Despite the crushing report from home, he
' is asked to "believe."
[25
1
9.
When Jesus and His disciples
came into Jairus's house, what did they
find? Verses
37, 38.
Compare Matt.
9:23.
NOTE.
-"Already the hired mourners and
flute players were there, filling the air with
their clamor. The presence of the crowd
and the tumult jarred upon the spirit of
Jesus."-The
Desire of Ages,
page 343.
10.
What surprising statement did
Jesus make to those assembled at the
house? Mark
5:39.
Compare Matt.
9:24.
11.
In what simple manner did
Jesus restore life and normal existence
to the child? Mark
5:40-43.
Com-
pare Luke
8:54, 55.
NoTE.-"Instantly a tremor passed
through the unconscious form. The pulses
of life beat again. The lips unclosed with a
smile. The eyes opened widely as if from
sleep, and the maiden gazed with wonder on
the group beside her. She arose, and her
parents clasped her in their arms, and wept
for
joy."-The Desire of Ages,
page 343.
Jesus' Response to Faith Without
Respect of Persons
12.
How do these two miracles re-
veal the truth of Acts
10:34?
Com-
pare Ephesians
6:9.
NOTE.-"Jairus
is a man of prominence
in the community, 'one of the rulers of the
synagogue,' a person of comparative wealth
and power and social position, and for
twelve years his home has been brightened
by the presence of a little daughter, an only
child. The woman is poor, weak, ceremoni-
ally unclean, friendless, unknown, and for
twelve years her life has been darkened by
continual suffering and disease.
"Both, however, are brought to Jesus by
the consciousness of desperate need."-Erd-
man,
The Gospel of Mark,
page 87.
13.
Although poor in this world's
goods, in what should the heirs of
the kingdom be rich? James
2:5.
Lesson 8, for February 19, 1955
Temporal Food or Spiritual Faith
MEMORY VERSE:
"And Jesus said unto them, I am the Bread of Life: he that
cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never
thirst." John 6:35.
STUDY HELP:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 359-371, 383-394.
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Mark 6:7-14; 30-44; John 6:1-15, 32-69.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: General survey 4. Ques. 8-11.
of the lesson, based on outline.
5. Ques. 12-15.
2.
Memorize John 6:35; Key Words; 6. Read "The Desire of Ages," pp. 359-
Ques. 1-3.
371, 383-394.
3.
Ques. 4-7.
7. Review entire lesson.
[ 26 ]
Lesson Outline:
1.
Jesus Seeks Rest for Himself and His
Disciples
1.
Disciples sent out on a mission.
Mark 6:7, 12, 13.
2.
Their report to Jesus. Verse 30.
3.
"Come ye . . . apart, . . . and rest
awhile." Verses 31, 32.
II. The Interrupted Vacation
1.
Preaching to the multitude. Mark
6:33, 34.
2.
The scarcity of food. Verses 35, 36.
3.
The seemingly impossible command.
Verse 37.
4.
Five loaves and two fishes. Verse 38.
III. The Creator at Work
1.
Caring for the multitude. Mark
6:39-41.
2.
A lesson in economy. John 6:12, 13.
3.
Five thousand fed. Mark 6:44.
IV. The Results of This Miracle
1. An attempt to make Jesus king.
John 6:15.
Z. The way opened for teaching spir-
itual truth. John 6:26-36, 47, 48,
51, 53-56.
3. The departing of many disciples.
Verse 66.
4.
The faithfulness of the Twelve.
Verses 67-69.
5.
A similar miracle. Matt. 15:29-38;
Mark 8:1-9.
Key Words:
1.
Apostle.
This is the first occasion
that the disciples are spoken of as "apostles."
The word "apostle" means "one sent." These
men had earned that title by going forth
in evangelistic endeavor.
2.
Rest.
"Christ's words of compassion
are spoken to His workers today just as
surely as they were spoken to His disciples.
`Come ye yourselves apart, . . . and rest
awhile,' He says to those who are worn and
weary. It is not wise to be always under
the strain of work and excitement, even in
ministering to men's spiritual needs; for in
this way personal piety is neglected, and the
powers of mind and soul and body are
overtaxed. Self-denial is required of the
disciples of Christ, and sacrifices must be
made ; but care must also be exercised lest
through their overzeal Satan take advantage
of the weakness of humanity, and the work
of God be marred."-The
Desire of Ages,
page 362.
THE LESSON
Jesus Seeks Rest for Himself
and His Disciples
1.
Upon what mission did Jesus
send His disciples? Mark 6:7, 12, 13.
2.
After their return from this mis-
sionary itinerary, what detailed report
did they make to Jesus? Mark 6:30.
Nora.-"They
had committed errors in
their first work as evangelists, and as they
frankly told Christ of their experiences, He
saw that they needed much instruction. He
saw, too, that they had become weary in
their labors, and that they needed to rest."
-The Desire of Ages,
page 359.
3.
How did Jesus show His kind
consideration for them in their wear-
iness? Mark 6:31, 32. Compare Luke
9:10.
NOTE.
-"Christ
is full of tenderness and
compassion for all in His service. He would
show His disciples that God does not re-
quire sacrifice, but mercy. They had been
putting their whole souls into labor for the
people, and this was exhausting their physi-
cal and mental strength. It was their duty
to rest. ..
"Like Moses in the wilderness of Sinai,
like David among the hills of Judea, or
Elijah by the brook Cherith, the disciples
needed to come apart from the scenes of
their busy activity, to commune with
Christ, with nature, and with their own
hearts. . . .
1
27 ]
"In the estimation of the rabbis it was
the sum of religion to be always in a bustle
of activity. They depended upon some out-
ward performance to show their superior
piety. Thus they separated their souls from
God, and built themselves up in self-suf-
ficiency. The same dangers still exist. As
activity increases and men become success-
ful in doing any work for God, there is
danger of trusting to human plans and
methods. There is a tendency to pray less,
and to have less faith. Like the disciples,
we are in danger of losing sight of our de-
pendence on God, and seeking to make a
savior of our activity. We need to look con-
stantly to Jesus, realizing that it is His
power which does the work. While we are
to labor earnestly for the salvation of the
lost, we must also take time for meditation,
for prayer, and for the study of the word of
God. Only the work accomplished with
much prayer, and sanctified by the merit of
Christ, will in the end prove to have been
efficient for good."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 360-362.
The Interrupted Vacation
4.
How did the multitudes inter-
fere with Jesus' plan for relaxation?
What is said of Jesus' attitude toward
the people? Mark 6:33, 34.
NOTE.—"Interrupted as He was, and
robbed of His rest, He was not impatient.
He saw a greater necessity demanding His
attention as He watched the people coming
and still coming."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 364.
5.
What problem arose as the day
drew toward its close? Mark 6:35, 36.
Compare John 6:5-7.
6.
What command did Jesus give
His disciples that seemed impossible
to carry out? Mark 6:37.
7.
What did the disciples tell Jesus
regarding the availability of food?
[ 28
Mark 6:38. Compare Luke 9:13; John
6:9; Matt. 14:17.
The Creator at Work
8. How did Jesus meet the needs of
the multitude? Mark 6:39-41.
NorE.—Compare Matthew 14:19; Luke
9:14-16; John 6:10, 11. A comparison of
the accounts of the miracle in the four Gos-
pels reveals the following procedure:
a.
Jesus seated the crowd in an or-
ganized manner.
b.
Jesus asked God's blessing on the
loaves and the fishes.
c.
Jesus gave the food to the disciples
to be distributed by them to the
multitude.
d.
Miraculously the food multiplied as
it was distributed.
"He who taught the people the way to
secure peace and happiness was just as
thoughtful of their temporal necessities as
of their spiritual need. The people were
weary and faint. There were mothers with
babes in their arms, and little children
clinging to their skirts. Many had been
standing for hours. . . . Jesus would give
them a chance to rest, and He bade them
sit down. . . .
"Christ never worked a miracle except to
supply a genuine necessity."—The
Desire of
Ages,
pages 365, 366.
9. How did Jesus teach a lesson
concerning economy in the temporal
affairs of life? John 6:12, 13.
NoTE.—This detail of the narrative indi-
cates that Jesus supplied an abundance.
While the food was simple, there was plenty
of it. It was, no doubt, a very unusual
thing for most of these peasants to have all
they wanted to eat.
"These words meant more than putting
bread into the baskets. The lesson was
twofold. Nothing is to be wasted. We are
to let slip no temporal advantage. We should
neglect nothing that will tend to benefit a
human being. Let everything be gathered
FOOD FOR
GOD'S
—
OVER
BLESSING
-5,000
PERSONS.
THE MASTER'S MATHEMATICS:
WITH GOD'S BLESSING HE
SUPPLIED EVERY NEED.
up that will relieve the necessity of earth's
hungry ones. And there should be the same
carefulness in spiritual things. When the
baskets of fragments were collected, the
people thought of their friends at home.
They wanted them to share in the bread
that Christ had blessed. The contents of
the baskets were distributed among the
eager throng, and were carried away into
all the region round about. So those who
were at the feast were to give to others the
bread that comes down from heaven, to
satisfy the hunger of the soul."—The
Desire
of Ages,
page 368.
10.
How large a group was fed on
this occasion? Mark 6:44.
The Results of This Miracle
11.
As a result of this miracle,
what did the people desire to do?
John 6:15.
NOTE.
—
"The
hopes of the people rise
higher and higher. This is He who will
make Judea an earthly paradise, a land
flowing with milk and honey. He can sat-
isfy every desire. He can break the power
of the hated Romans. He can deliver Judah
and Jerusalem. He can heal the soldiers
who are wounded in battle.... He can con-
quer the nations, and give to Israel the
long-sought dominion.
"In their enthusiasm the people are ready
at once to crown Him king. . . . The dis-
ciples unite with the multitude in declaring
the throne of David the rightful inheritance
of their Master.. ..
"They eagerly arrange to carry out their
purpose; but Jesus sees what is on foot,
and understands, as they cannot, what
would be the result of such a movement.
. . . Calling His disciples, Jesus bids them
take the boat and return at once to Caper-
naum, leaving Him to dismiss the people."
—The Desire of Ages,
pages 377, 378.
12.
When the people reassembled
on the other side of the lake, what
spiritual truth did Jesus endeavor to
teach them? John 6:26-36, 47, 48, 51,
53-56.
NorE.—"The figure which Christ used
was a familiar one to the Jews. Moses, by
the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, had said,
`Man doth not live by bread only, but by
every word that proceedeth out of the
mouth of the Lord.' And the prophet Jere-
miah had written, 'Thy words were found,
and I did eat them; and Thy word was
unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine
heart.' Deut. 8:3; Jer. 15:16. The rabbis
themselves had a saying, that the eating of
bread, in its spiritual significance, was the
study of the law and the practice of good
works; and it was often said that at the
Messiah's coming all Israel would be fed.
The teaching of the prophets made plain the
deep spiritual lesson in the miracle of the
loaves. This lesson Christ was seeking to
open to His hearers in the synagogue. Had
they understood the Scriptures, they would
have understood His words when He said,
`I am the Bread of Life.' Only the day before,
the great multitude, when faint and weary,
had been fed by the bread which He had
given. As from that bread they had re-
ceived physical strength and refreshment, so
from Christ they might receive spiritual
strength unto eternal life. 'He that cometh
to Me,' He said, 'shall never hunger; and he
that believeth on Me shall never thirst.'
But He added, 'Ye also have seen Me, and
believe not.'
"—The Desire of Ages,
page 386.
13.
Being unwilling to accept spir-
itual truth, what did many of His fol-
lowers do? John 6:66.
[ 29 ]
NorE.—"The test was too great. The en-
thusiasm of those who had sought to take
Him by force and make Him king grew
cold. This discourse in the synagogue, they
declared, had opened their eyes. Now they
were undeceived. In their minds His words
were a direct confession that He was not
the Messiah, and that no earthly rewards
were to be realized from connection with
Him. They had welcomed His miracle-
working power; they were eager to be freed
from disease and suffering; but they would
not come into sympathy with His self-
sacrificing life. They cared not for the
mysterious spiritual kingdom of which He
spoke. The insincere, the selfish, who had
sought Him, no longer desired Him. If He
would not devote His power and influence
to obtaining their freedom from the Ro-
mans, they would have nothing to do with
Him."—The Desire of Ages,
page 391.
14.
How did the Twelve express
their faith at this time? John 6:67-69.
15.
On what later occasion did
Jesus perform a similar miracle?
Matt. 15:29-38; Mark 8:1-9.
NOTE.-It
is worthy of note that this
miracle was wrought in a Gentile area.
Jesus did not limit His blessings on the
basis of race. At the feeding of the four
thousand, the disciples seem to have entirely
forgotten the previous miracle. This seems
incredible, but is no more incredible than
the way in which we forget God's miracles
of grace.
Lesson 9, for February 26, 1955
A Heathen Woman's Faith
MEMORY VERSE:
"Then Jesus answered and said unto her, 0 woman, great is thy
faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole
from that very hour." Matt. 15:28.
STUDY HELP:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 399-403.
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Mark 7:24-29; Matt. 15:23-29.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: General survey 4.
of the lesson, based on outline.
5.
2.
Memorize Matt. 15:28; Key Word; 6.
Ques. 1, 2.
3.
Ques. 3-6.
7.
Ques. 7, 8.
Ques. 9-11.
Read "The Desire of Ages," pp. 399-
403.
Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
I. A Second Attempt at Retirement In-
terrupted
1.
Into the borders of Tyre and Sidon.
Mark 7:24.
2.
The plea of a Syrophoenician wo-
man. Verses 25, 26.
II. The Disciples' Attitude
1.
National prejudice. Matt. 15:23.
2.
Jesus' desire to change the disciples'
attitude. Verse 24.
An Object Lesson
1. Jesus tests the woman's
faith.
Matt.
15:25, 26.
[ 30 ]
2. The woman's expression of faith.
Verse 27.
IV. The Request Granted
1.
The woman's faith rewarded. Matt.
15:28.
2.
Jesus' reason for making this long
journey. Verse 29.
V. The Significance of This Miracle
1.
Preparing disciples for wider service.
Matt. 28:19.
2.
Breaking down walls of separation.
Eph. 2:12-14.
3.
"This man was born there." Ps.
87:4-6.
Key Word:
Syrophoenician.
This term "occurs only
in Mark 7:26. The word denoted perhaps
a mixed race, half-Phoenicians and half-
Syrians. Matthew (15:22) speaks of 'a
woman of Canaan' in place of St. Mark's
`Syro-phoenician,' on the same ground that
the Septuagint translates Canaan by Phoeni-
cia. The names Canaan and Phoenicia had
succeeded one another as geographical
names in the same country."—Smith,
Dic-
tionary of the Bible,
1871 ed., p. 676.
THE LESSON
A Second Attempt at Retirement
Interrupted
1.
To what region did Jesus and
His disciples go? Mark 7:24.
NOTE.—"After the encounter with the,
Pharisees, Jesus withdrew from Capernaum,
and crossing Galilee, repaired to the hill
country on the borders of Phoenicia. Look-
ing westward, He could see, spread out
upon the plain below, the ancient cities of
Tyre and Sidon, with their heathen temples,
their magnificent palaces and marts of trade,
and the harbors filled with shipping. Beyond
was the blue expanse of the Mediterranean,
over which the messengers of the gospel
were to bear its glad tidings to the centers
of the world's great empire. But the time
was not yet. The work before Him now
was to prepare His disciples for their mis-
sion. In coming to this region He hoped to
find the retirement He had failed to secure
at Bethsaida. Yet this was not His only
purpose in taking this journey."—The
De-
sire of Ages,
page 399.
2.
Who came to Jesus, and with
what plea for help? Mark 7:25, 26.
Compare Matt. 15:22.
Nora.—"The people of this district were
of the old Canaanite race. They were idol-
aters, and were despised and hated by the
Jews. To this class belonged the woman
who now came to Jesus. She was a heathen,
and was therefore excluded from the ad-
vantages which the Jews daily enjoyed.
There were many Jews living among the
Phoenicians, and the tidings of Christ's
work had penetrated to this region. Some
of the people had listened to His words and
had witnessed His wonderful works. This
woman had heard of the prophet, who, it
was reported, healed all manner of diseases.
As she heard of His power, hope sprang up
in her heart. Inspired by a mother's love,
she determined to present her daughter's
case to Him. . . . She determined not to
lose her only hope."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 399, 400.
The Disciples' Attitude
3.
What attitude did the disciples
take toward her? Matt. 15:23.
NoTE.—"Christ knew this woman's situ-
ation. He knew that she was longing to see
Him, and He placed Himself in her path.
By ministering to her sorrow, He could give
a living representation of the lesson He
designed to teach. For this He had brought
His disciples into this region. He desired
them to see the ignorance existing in cities
and villages close to the land of Israel. . . .
The partition wall which Jewish pride had
erected, shut even the disciples from sym-
[ 31 ]
CHRIST BROKE DOWN RACE
BARRIERS, AND HE SAYS TO US,
"FOLLOW ME.
°
pathy with the heathen world. But these
barriers were to be broken down."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 400.
4.
What did Jesus reveal to the dis-
ciples regarding His mission? Matt.
15:24.
NoTE.—"Although this answer appeared
to be in accordance with the prejudice of
the Jews, it was an implied rebuke to the
disciples, which they afterward understood
as reminding them of what He had often
told them,—that He came to the world to
save all who would accept
Him."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 401.
An Object Lesson
5.
After ignoring her request for a
time, what reply did Jesus make to
the woman? Matt. 15:25, 26. Com-
pare Mark 7:27.
6.
How did the woman respond to
this seeming rebuff? Matt. 15:27.
NoTE.—"Jesus had just departed from
His field of labor because the scribes and
Pharisees were seeking to take His life.
They murmured and complained. They
manifested unbelief and bitterness, and re-
fused the salvation so freely offered them.
Here Christ meets one of an unfortunate
and despised race, that has not been favored
with the light of God's word; yet she yields
at once to the divine influence of Christ,
and has implicit faith in His ability to grant
the favor she asks. She begs for the crumbs
that fall from the Master's table. If she may
have the privilege of a dog, she is willing to
be regarded as a dog. She has no national
or religious prejudice or pride to influence
her course, and she immediately acknowl-
edges Jesus as the Redeemer, and as being
able to do all that she asks of
Him."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 401.
The Request Granted
7.
How did Jesus reward the
woman's faith? Matt. 15:28. Com-
pare Mark 7:29, 30.
NOTE.—"The Saviour is satisfied. He has
tested her faith in Him. By His dealings
with her, He has shown that she who has
'been regarded as an outcast from Israel is
no longer an alien, but a child in God's
household. As a child it is her privilege to
share in the Father's gifts. Christ now
grants her request, and finishes the lesson to
the disciples."—The
Desire of Ages,
page
401.
8.
-
What does the very next verse
of Scripture imply? Matt. 15:29, last
part.
NOTE.—"This was the only miracle that
Jesus wrought while on this journey. It
was for the perforinance of this act that He
went to the borders of Tyre and Sidon. He
wished to relieve the afflicted woman, and
at the same time to leave an example in His
work of mercy toward one of a despised
people for the benefit of His disciples when
He should no longer be with them. He
wished to lead them from their Jewish ex-
clusiveness to be interested in working for
others besides their own people."—The
De-
sire of Ages,
page 402.
[ 32
I
The Significance of This Miracle
9. For what far-reaching work was
this experience a preparation? Matt.
28:19. Compare Acts 1:8.
NOTE.—"This act opened the minds of
the disciples more fully to the labor that
lay before them among the Gentiles. They
saw a wide field of usefulness outside of
Judea. They saw souls bearing sorrows un-
known to those more highly favored.
Among those whom they had been taught
to despise were souls longing for help from
the mighty Healer, hungering for the light
of truth, which had been so abundantly
given to the Jews.
"Afterward, when the Jews turned still
more persistently from the disciples, because
they declared Jesus to be the Saviour of the
world, and when the partition wall between
Jew and Gentile was broken down by the
death of Christ, this lesson, and similar ones
which pointed to the gospel work unre-
stricted by custom or nationality, had a
powerful influence upon the representatives
of Christ, in directing their labors."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 402, 403.
10.
What great truth is brought
into focus by this experience? Eph.
2:12-14.
NOTE.—"The Saviour's visit to Phoenicia
and the miracle there performed had a yet
wider purpose. Not alone for the afflicted
woman, nor even for His disciples and those
who received their labors, was the work ac-
complished; but also 'that ye might believe
that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God;
and that believing ye might have life
through His name.' John 20:31. The same
agencies that barred men away from Christ
eighteen hundred years ago are at work
today. The spirit which built up the par-
tition wall between Jew and Gentile is still
active. Pride and prejudice have built strong
walls of separation between different classes
of men. Christ and His mission have been
misrepresented, and multitudes feel that
they are virtually shut away from the
ministry of the gospel. But let them not
feel that they are shut away from Christ.
There are no barriers which man or Satan
can erect but that faith can penetrate."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 403.
11.
Of what does God take ac-
count? Ps. 87:4-6.
Lesson 10, for March 5, 1955
A Father's Faith
MEMORY VERSE:
"Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are pos-
sible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried
out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief."
Mark 9:23, 24.
STUDY HELP:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 426-431.
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Matt.
17:1-21; Mark 9:16-34.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: General survey 4. Ques. 7-10.
of the lesson, based on outline.
5. Ques. 11-14.
2.
Memorize Mark 9:23,
24;
Key 6. Read "The Desire of Ages," pp. 426-
Thoughts; Ques. 1, 2.
431.
3.
Ques. 3-6.
7. Review entire lesson.
[ 33 ]
Lesson Outline:
I. The Mount of Transfiguration
1.
Privilege of Peter, James, and John.
Matt. 17:1-4.
2.
"My beloved Son." Verses 5-8.
II. The Valley of Service
1.
The confused crowd. Luke 9:37.
2.
The boy with the dumb spirit.
Mark 9:16-18.
III. The Lack of Faith
1.
A faithless generation. Matt. 17:17,
first part.
2.
Jesus' command. Verse 17, last part.
3.
The demon's defiance. Mark 9:20.
4.
The anguish of the father. Verses
21, 22.
IV. The Challenge of Faith
1.
The father's faith challenged. Mark
9:23.
2.
The father's reply. Verse 24.
3.
The demon cast out. Verses 25-27.
V. The Reason for the Failure of the
Disciples
1.
The disciples' question. Mark 9:28.
2.
Jesus' reply. Verse 29.
3.
Their wrong attitude. Verses 33, 34.
Key Thoughts:
1.
"0 faithless ... generation."
Jesus
stands forth from His generation as a Man
of overtowering faith. The faithlessness of
His generation is seen in the fact that these
sad cases of human misery so often pro-
voked criticism and debate on the part of
scribes and Pharisees, and, in the case of the
demoniac boy, impotence and lack of
miracle-working faith on the part of the
disciples. These things have a parallel today.
"When the Son of man cometh, shall He
find faith in the earth?"
2.
"This is My Beloved Son, ... hear
ye Him."
It has been said that God has one
word, more than any other, for the world
-Jesus. He is the center of God's revelation
to man. He is the only means of salvation.
He is the Author of our faith, and its Fin-
isher. Only as we hear Him, can God make
the church adequate for her task today.
THE LESSON
The Mount of Transfiguration
1.
What wonderful experience did
Jesus share with Peter, James, and
John? Matt. 17:1-4.
2.
What was the grand climax of
this experience? Matt. 17:5-8.
The Valley of Service
3.
What situation awaited Jesus
and the three disciples at the foot of
the mountain? Luke 9:37. Compare
Mark 9:14, 15.
NOTE.
-"The
entire night had been passed
in the mountain; and as the sun arose, Jesus
and His disciples descended to the plain.
Absorbed in thought, the disciples were
awed and silent. Even Peter had not a
word to say. Gladly would they have
lingered in that holy place which had been
touched with the light of heaven, and where
the Son of God had manifested His glory;
but there was work to be done for the peo-
ple, who were already searching far and
near for Jesus."-The
Desire of Ages,
page
426.
4.
What sad story was related to
Jesus? Mark 9:16-18. Compare Matt.
17:14-16; Luke 9:38-40.
The Lack of Faith
5.
What comment did Jesus make
regarding the lack of faith that was
so obvious in this situation? Matt.
17:17, first part.
[34
]
DO WE FAIL IN GOD'S
SERVICE
BECAUSE
OF UNBELIEF?
NoTE.—"Jesus looked about Him upon
the awe-stricken multitude, the caviling
scribes, the perplexed disciples. He read the
unbelief in every heart; and in a voice
filled with sorrow He exclaimed, '0 faith-
less generation, how long shall I be with
you? how long shall I suffer you?'
"—The
Desire of Ages,
page 428.
Faith must come first. Someone must
believe before the power of Jesus could be
made manifest. Mutual jealousy had dimmed
the faith of the disciples. The Pharisees and
the crowd had no faith. Jesus saw the solu-
tion in awakening a dynamic faith in the
heart of the boy's father.
6.
What command did Jesus give?
Matt. 17:17, last part.
7.
At this point, what exhibition of
power did the demon
give?
Mark
9:20.
NOTE.—"The boy was brought, and as
the Saviour's eyes fell upon him, the evil
spirit cast him to the ground in convulsions
of agony. He lay wallowing and foaming,
rending the air with unearthly shrieks.
"Again the Prince of life and the prince of
the powers of darkness had met on the field
of battle,—Christ in fulfillment of His mis-
sion to 'preach deliverance to the captives,
. . . to set at liberty them that are bruised'
(Luke 4:18), Satan seeking to hold his vic-
tim under his control. Angels of light and
the hosts of evil angels, unseen, were press-
ing near to behold the conflict. For a
moment, Jesus permitted the evil spirit to
display his power, that the beholders might
comprehend the deliverance about to be
wrought."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 428.
8.
What information did the father
give as to the duration and severity
of his son's malady? Mark 9:21, 22.
NOTE.—"The father told the story of long
years of suffering, and then, as if he could
endure no more, exclaimed, `If Thou canst
do anything, have compassion on us, and
help us.' If Thou canst!' Even now the
father questioned the power of Christ."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 428.
The Challenge of Faith
9.
What challenge did Jesus pre-
sent to the father's faith? Mark 9:23.
NOTE.—"It is faith that connects us with
heaven, and brings us strength for coping
with the powers of darkness. In Christ, God
has provided means for subduing every sin-
ful trait, and resisting every temptation,
however strong. But many feel that they
lack faith, and therefore they remain away
from Christ.. Let these souls, in their help-
less unworthiness, cast themselves upon the
mercy of their compassionate Saviour. Look
not to self, but to Christ. He who healed
the sick and cast out demons when He
walked among men is the same mighty
Redeemer today."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 429.
10; What humble reply did the
father utter? Mark 9:24.
NorE.—"Cast yourself at His feet with
the cry, 'Lord, I believe; help
Thou
mine
unbelief.' You can never perish while you
do this—never."—The
Desire of Ages,
page
429.
11. How is the deliverance of the
boy described? Mark 9:25-27.
[351
NOTE.—"In a brief space of time the
favored disciples have beheld the extreme
of glory and of humiliation. They have seen
humanity as transfigured into the image of
God, and as debased into the likeness of
Satan. From the mountain where He has
talked with the heavenly messengers, and
has been proclaimed the Son of God by the
voice from the radiant glory, they have seen
Jesus descend to meet that most distressing
and revolting spectacle, the maniac boy,
with distorted countenance, gnashing his
teeth in spasms of agony that no human
power could relieve. And this mighty Re-
deemer, who but a few hours before stood
glorified before His wondering disciples,
stoops to lift the victim of Satan from the
earth where he is wallowing, and in health
of mind and body restores him to his father
and his home.
"It was an object lesson of redemption,—
the Divine One from the Father's glory
stooping to save the lost. It represented also
the disciples' mission. Not alone upon the
mountaintop with Jesus, in hours of spir-
itual illumination, is the life of Christ's
servants to be spent. There is work for
them down in the plain. Souls whom Satan
has enslaved are waiting for the word of
faith and prayer to set them free."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 429, 430.
The Reason for the Failure
of the Disciples
12. What question did the disciples
ask Jesus privately after the crowd
had departed? Mark 9:28. •
13.
What was Jesus' reply? Mark
9:29.
14.
What attitude hindered their
exercise of faith? Mark 9:33, 34.
NOTE.—"The selection of the three dis-
ciples to accompany Jesus to the mountain
had excited the jealousy of the nine. Instead
of strengthening their faith by prayer and
meditation on the words of Christ, they had
been dwelling on their discouragements and
personal grievances. In this state of dark-
ness they had undertaken the conflict with
Satan.
"In order to succeed in such a conflict
they must come to the work in a different
spirit. Their faith must be strengthened by
fervent prayer and fasting, and humiliation
of heart. They must be emptied of self, and
be filled with the Spirit and power of God.
Earnest, persevering supplication to God in
faith—faith that leads to entire dependence
upon God, and unreserved consecration to
His work—can alone avail to bring men
the Holy Spirit's aid in the battle against
principalities and powers, the rulers of the
darkness of this world, and wicked spirits
in high places."—The
Desire of Ages,
page
430 (1940 ed., p. 431).
Lesson 11, for March 12, 1955
A Blind Man Sees and Believes
MEMORY VERSE:
"As long as I am in the world,
I
am the Light of the world."
John 9:5.
STUDY HELP:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 470-475.
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
John 9:1-38.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1. Sabbath afternoon: General survey 2. Memorize John 9:5; Key Thoughts;
of the lesson, based on outline.
Ques. 1-3.
[ 36 ]
3.
Ques. 4-6.
6.
Read "The Desire of Ages," pp. 470-
4.
Ques. 7-10.
475.
5.
Ques. 11-14.
7.
Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
I. A Mistaken Idea of Suffering
1.
The disciples' question. John 9:1, 2.
2.
Jesus' answer. Verse 3.
3.
The light of the world. Verses 4, .5.
II. The Healing of the Blind Man
1.
Eyes of the blind anointed. John
9:6.
2.
"Go wash." Verse 7.
3.
Questioning neighbors. Verses 8-12.
III. The Sabbath Issue Raised
1.
Quibbling
of the Pharisees. John
9:13-16.
2.
The man's own testimony. Verse 17.
3.
Conversation with the parents.
Verses 18-23.
IV. The Healed Man's Defense
1.
"Whereas I was blind, now I see."
John 9:24, 25.
2.
Further conversation with Pharisees.
Verses 26-33.
3.
Excommunication. Verse 34.
V. The Lesson in. Faith
1.
Jesus' question. John 9:35.
2.
The man's expression of faith.
Verses 36-38.
Key Thoughts:
1.
"One thing I know, ... I was blind,
now I see."
God had given to this man an
intense grasp of the one great fact of his
experience, expressed in a literal translation
-"being blind, now I see." When Jesus
came to this man He turned his night into
day. The "how" of the miracle mattered
to the bigoted Pharisees, but not to this
poor man. He knew just one thing, and it
filled his mind and heart and life. The next
step was taken by Jesus after this man was
excommunicated by his church.
2.
"Dost thou believe on the Son of
God?"
Jesus now confronted the man
with the greatest question in the world.
To lead men face to face with Jesus, to
focus men's vision on the Son-that is the
church's work in the world today.
THE LESSON
A Mistaken Idea of Suffering
1. What question did the disciples
ask Jesus regarding a certain blind
man? John 9:1, 2.
NOTE.
-"It
was generally believed by the
Jews that sin is punished in this life. Every
affliction was regarded as the penalty of
some wrongdoing, either of the sufferer
himself or of his parents. It is true that
all suffering results from the transgression
of God's law, but this truth had become
perverted. Satan, the author of sin and all
its results, had led men to look upon disease
and death as proceeding from God,-as
punishment arbitrarily inflicted on account
of sin. Hence one upon whom some great
affliction or calamity had fallen had the
additional burden of being regarded as a
great sinner.
"Thus the way was prepared for the Jews
to reject Jesus. He who lath borne our
griefs, and carried our sorrows' was looked
upon by the Jews as 'stricken, smitten of
God, and afflicted;' and they hid their faces
from Him. Isa. 53:4, 3.
"God had given a lesson designed to pre-
vent this. The history of Job had shown
that suffering is inflicted by Satan, and is
overruled by God for purposes of mercy.
But Israel did not understand the lesson. -
The same error for which God had reproved
the friends of Job was repeated by the Jews
in their rejection of Christ."-The
Desire of
Ages,
page 471.
2. What was Jesus' answer to the
disciples' question? John 9:3.
37
NOTE.—"The belief of the Jews in regard
to the relation of sin and suffering was held
by Christ's disciples. While Jesus corrected
their error, He did not explain the cause of
the man's affliction, but told them what
would be the result. Because of it the works
of God would be made manifest."—The
De-
sire of Ages,
page 471.
3.
By what words did Jesus pre-
pare the way for what He was about
to do? John 9:4, 5.
The Healing of the Blind Man
4.
What procedure did Jesus fol-
low in restoring sight to the blind
man? John 9:6.
NOTE.—"It was evident that there was no
healing virtue in the clay, or in the pool
wherein the blind man was sent to wash,
but that the virtue was in Christ."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 471.
5.
How was the man to co-operate
with Jesus? John 9:7.
NoTE.—"He places clay on the eyes of
the blind man and bids him go to the pool
of Siloam and wash. Why? John explains,
`The pool of Siloam (which is by interpre-
tation, Sent).' Jesus had continually de-
clared that He Himself had been sent of
God, and He is now intimating that He alone
could heal; that He fulfilled all the blessings
which Siloam typified. Each day of the
Feast of Tabernacles a libation had been
brought from that pool, to suggest the gifts
of God to His people. Jesus is now saying
that as the waters of Siloam will wash the
day from the eyes of the blind man, so He,
the true Siloam, the One sent of God, will
take away his physical blindness, and also
restore spiritual sight to the world."—Erd-
man,
The Gospel of John,
page 86.
6.
What three questions did the
neighbors ask? John 9:8-12.
NorE.—These three questions are typical
of the experience of many who come to
Christ. The first reaction of the onlooker is
surprise ("Is not this he that sat and
begged?"). The second reaction is curiosity
("How were thine eyes opened?"). The
third reaction is desire ("Where is He ?").
The Sabbath Issue Raised
7.
What question did the Pharisees
raise about the healing? John 9:13-
16.
NOTE.—As before, the Pharisees lost sight
of the greatness of the miracle in their
jealousy for the letter of the Sabbath law.
"The Pharisees hoped to make Jesus out to
be a sinner, and therefore not the Messiah.
They knew not that it was He who had
made the Sabbath and knew all its obliga-
tion, who had healed the blind man. They
appeared wonderfully zealous for the ob-
servance of the Sabbath, yet were planning
murder on that very
day."—The Desire of
Ages,
page 472.
"This is the best attested of all His mir-
acles. A public, official investigation of the
alleged cure was held, and as proof of its
reality we have not only the statements of
the man, and of his parents and neighbors,
but the unwilling admissions of the Phari-
sees themselves."—Erdman,
The Gospel of
John,
page 85.
8.
What did the man who was
healed say of his benefactor? John
9:17.
NOTE.—"There was the man himself, de-
claring that he had been blind, and had had
his sight restored; but the Pharisees would
rather deny the evidence of their own senses
than admit that they were in error. So
powerful is prejudice, so distorting is Phar-
isaical righteousness."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 472.
9.
What conversation took place
between the Pharisees and the parents
of the young man? John 9:18-23.
NOTE.—"The Pharisees had one hope left,
and that was to intimidate the man's par-
[ 38
I
CHRIST HAS THE EYESALVE TO HEAL THE
EYES OF THE SPIRITUALLY BLIND.
ents. With apparent sincerity they asked,
`How then doth he now see?' The parents
feared to compromise themselves; for it had
been declared that whoever should acknowl-
edge Jesus as the Christ should be 'put out
of the synagogue;' that is, should be ex-
cluded from the synagogue for thirty days.
During this time no child could be circum-
cised nor dead be lamented in the offender's
home. The sentence was regarded as a great
calamity; and if it failed to produce re-
pentance, a far heavier penalty followed.
The great work wrought for their son had
brought conviction to the parents, yet they
answered, 'We know that this is our son,
and that he was born blind: but by what
means he now seeth, we know not; or who
hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is
of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself.'
Thus they shifted all responsibility from
themselves to their son; for they dared not
confess Christ."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages
472, 473.
The Healed Man's Defense
10. How did the man who was
healed reply to the Pharisees' sugges-
tion that Jesus was a sinner? John
9:24, 25.
but he was sure of the benefits he had
received from Jesus.
"There is an evidence that is open to all,
—the most highly educated, and the most
illiterate,—the evidence of experience. God
invites us to prove for ourselves the reality
of His word, the truth of His promises. He
bids us 'taste and see that the Lord is good.'
Instead of depending upon the word of
another, we are to taste for ourselves. He
declares, 'Ask, and ye shall receive.' His
promises will be fulfilled. They have never
failed; they never can fail. And as we draw
near to Jesus, and rejoice in the fullness of
His love, our doubt and darkness will disap-
pear in the light of His presence. . . .
" 'Do you ask why I believe in Jesus?—
Because He is to me a divine Saviour. Why
do I believe the Bible?—Because I have
found it to be the voice of God to my soul.'
We may have the witness in ourselves that
the Bible is true, that Christ is the Son of
God."—Steps to Christ,
page 117.
11.
What further conversation took
place between the young man and the
Pharisees? John 9:26-33.
12.
How did the Pharisees further
vent their rage? John 9:34.
NOTE.—"The man had met his inquisitors
on their own ground. His reasoning was
unanswerable. The Pharisees were aston-
ished, and they held their peace,—spell-
bound before his pointed, determined words.
For a few moments there was silence. Then
the frowning priests and rabbis gathered
about them their robes, as though they
feared contamination from contact with
him; they shook off the dust from their
feet, and hurled denunciations against him,
—`Thou wast altogether born in sins, and
dost thou teach
us?"
And they excommuni-
cated
him."—The Desire of Ages,
page 474.
The Lesson in Faith
Nom—There is nothing so convincing as
the testimony of personal experience. The
young man probably knew little of theology,
13. What very significant question
did Jesus ask the young man? John
9:35.
39
NorE.-"For the first time the blind man
looked upon the face of his Restorer. Before
the council he had seen his parents troubled
and perplexed; he had looked upon the
frowning faces of the rabbis; now his eyes
rested upon the loving, peaceful counte-
nance of Jesus. Already, at great cost to
himself, he had acknowledged Him as a
delegate of divine power; now a higher
revelation was granted
him."-The Desire
of Ages,
page 474.
14. How did Jesus reveal Himself
to the young man, and in what words
and by what act did the young man
express his faith? John 9:36-38.
NOTE.
-
"
Not
only had his natural sight
been restored, but the eyes of his under-
standing had been opened. Christ had been
revealed to his soul, and he received Him as
the Sent of
God."-The Desire of Ages,
page 475.
Lesson 12, for March 19, 1955
Faith, Stronger Than the Grave
MEMORY VERSE:
"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that
believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth
and believeth in Me shall never die. Believest thou this?" John 11:25, 26.
STUDY HELP:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 524-536.
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
John 11:1-44.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: General survey
of the lesson, based on outline.
2.
Memorize John 11:25, 26; Key
Thoughts; Ques. 1-3.
3.
Ques. 4-6.
4.
Ques. 7-10.
5.
Ques. 11-15.
6.
Read "The Desire of Ages," pp. 524-
536.
7.
Review the entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
I. Misfortune in a Home at Bethany
1.
Sickness of Lazarus. John 11:1, 2.
2.
The message to Jesus. Verse 3.
3.
Jesus' statement regarding Lazarus'
illness. Verses 4-6.
II. The Trip to Judea
1.
Conversation with disciples. John
11:7-10.
2.
Death a sleep. Verses 11-14.
3.
A lesson in faith. Verses 15, 16.
III. Martha's Faith
1. Martha manifests her faith. John
11:17-22.
2. Assurance to the mourner. Verses
23, 24.
3. Jesus' power over life. Verses 25,
26.
4. Martha's confession of faith. Verse
27.
IV. Mary's Faith and Jesus' Sympathy
1.
Mary's expression of faith. John
11:28-32.
2.
Jesus' sympathy. Verses 33-36.
V. Faith Triumphant Over Death
1.
Martha's faith challenged. John
11 : 37-40.
2.
Lazarus raised. Verses 41-44.
3.
"0 grave, where is thy victory ?"
1
Cor. 15:42, 53-55.
[ 40 ]
Key Thoughts:
1. "He whom Thou lovest is sick."
The word "lovest"
(phileis)
means to love
very warmly, as a friend, and is also used
in verse 11. Another word means to regard
highly
(agapao),
verse 5. Both terms are
here used of Christ's love for Lazarus. Both
are also used of the Father's love of His Son
(3:35; 5:20). "God so loved the world"
that every man becomes to Jesus "he whom
Thou lovest." And as He went to Lazarus,
He comes to the humblest believer who is
sick or troubled or tempted.
2. "Lazarus, come forth."
"Come
forth" (literally, "hither out") uttered in a
loud voice, was God's call to the dead, and
it was answered immediately. That loud
voice will be heard again, and it will be
answered "in a moment, in the twinkling
of an eye."
THE LESSON
Misfortune in a Home at Bethany
1.
To what home did sickness
come? John 11:1, 2.
NOTE.—"His heart was knit by a strong
bond of affection to the family at Bethany,
and for one of them His most wonderful
work was wrought.
"At the home of Lazarus, Jesus had often
found rest. The Saviour had no home of
His own; He was dependent on the hospi-
tality of His friends and disciples, and often,
when weary, thirsting for human lellow-
ship, He had been glad to escape to this
peaceful household, away from the suspi-
cion and jealousy of the angry Pharisees.
Here He found a sincere welcome, and pure,
holy friendship. Here He could speak with
simplicity and perfect freedom, knowing
that His words would be understood and
treasured. . . .
"In the home at Bethany Christ found
rest from the weary conflict of public life."
—The Desire of Ages,
pages 524, 525.
2.
What message did the sisters of
Lazarus send to Jesus? John 11:3.
NOTE.—"They saw the violence of the
disease that had seized their brother, but
they knew that Christ had shown Himself
able to heal all manner of diseases. They
believed that He would sympathize with
them in their distress; therefore they made
no urgent demand for His immediate pres-
ence, but sent only the confiding message,
`He whom Thou lovest is sick.' They
thought that He would immediately re-
spond to their message, and be with them
as soon as He could reach Bethany."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 526.
3.
How did Jesus receive this mes-
sage? John 11:4-6.
NOTE.—"When Christ heard the message,
the disciples thought He received it coldly.
He did not manifest the sorrow they ex-
pected Him to show. . . . For two days He
remained in the place where He was. This
delay was a mystery to the disciples."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 526.
The Trip to Judea
4.
What conversation took place
between Jesus and His disciples when
He declared His intention to return
to Judea? John 11:7-10.
NorE.—"He who does the will of God,
who walks in the path that God has marked
out, cannot stumble and fall. The light of
God's guiding Spirit gives him a clear per-
ception of his duty, and leads him aright till
the close of his work. . .. He who walks in
a path of his own choosing, where God has
not called him, will stumble. For him day
is turned into night, and wherever he may
be, he is not secure."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 527.
[
41]
THE FAITH OF THE SON OF
GOD
BROKE SATAN'S POWER.
5.
In what words did Jesus refer to
death as a sleep? John 11:11-14.
NOTE.—" Christ represents death as a
sleep to His believing children. Their life
is hid with Christ in God, and until the last
trump shall sound those who die will sleep
in
Him."—The Desire of Ages,
page 527.
6.
How did Jesus indicate that He
intended this incident to be a lesson
in faith? How did Thomas reveal his
lack of faith? John 11:15, 16.
NoTE.—"The disciples marveled at
Christ's words when He said, 'Lazarus is
dead. And I am glad . . . that I was not
there.' Did the Saviour by His own choice
avoid the home of His suffering friends?
Apparently Mary and Martha and the
dying Lazarus were left alone. But they
were not alone. Christ beheld the whole
scene, and after the death of Lazarus the
bereaved sisters were upheld by His grace.
Jesus witnessed the sorrow of their hearts,
as their brother wrestled with his strong
foe, death. He felt every pang of anguish,
as He said to His disciples, 'Lazarus is dead.'
But Christ had not only the loved ones at
Bethany to think of; He had the training
of His disciples to consider. They were to
be His representatives to the world, that the
Father's blessing might embrace all. For
their sake He permitted Lazarus to die. Had
He restored him from illness to health, the
miracle that is the most positive evidence
of His divine character would not have been
performed."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 528.
"This crowning miracle, the raising of
Lazarus, was to set the seal of God on His
work and on His claim to divinity."—Ibid.,
p. 529.
Martha's Faith
7.
When Jesus arrived in Bethany,
how did Martha show her faith in
Him? John 11:17-22.
NOTE.—"Martha hastened to meet Jesus,
her heart agitated by conflicting emotions.
In His expressive face she read the same
tenderness and love that had always been
there. Her confidence in Him was unbroken,
but she thought of her dearly loved brother,
whom Jesus also had loved. With grief
surging in her heart because Christ had not
come before, yet with hope that even now
He would do something to comfort them,
she said, 'Lord, if Thou hadst been here, my
brother had not died.' Over and over again,
amid the tumult made by the mourners,
the sisters bad repeated these words."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 529.
Martha had faith, but her faith was not
yet complete. She felt that Jesus' presence
was necessary for the working of Jesus'
power. She revealed a wistful hope that
Jesus might do more. Her faith was grow-
ing under the experience of sorrow.
8.
What comforting words did
Jesus utter, and how did Martha re-
spond? John 11:23, 24.
9.
What great truth regarding Him-
self did Jesus proclaim? John 11:25,
26.
10.
How did Martha express her
belief in the divinity of Jesus? John
11:27.
[ 42 ]
NOTE.—"She did not comprehend in all
their significance the words spoken by
Christ, but she confessed her faith in His
divinity, and her confidence that He was
able to perform whatever it pleased Him
to
do."—The Desire of Ages,
page 530.
Mary's Faith and Jesus' Sympathy
11.
How did Mary express her
faith in Jesus when she met Him?
John 11:28-32.
12.
How did Jesus express His
sympathy with the mourners, and
with all humanity? John 11:33-36.
NOTE.—"Though He was the Son of God,
yet He had taken human nature upon Him,
and He was moved by human sorrow. His
tender, pitying heart is ever awakened to
sympathy by suffering. He weeps with those
that weep, and rejoices with those that re-
joice.
"But it was not only because of His
human sympathy with Mary and Martha
that Jesus wept. In His tears there was a
sorrow as high above human sorrow as the
heavens are higher than the earth. . . .
"The weight of the grief of ages was
upon Him. . . . The woes of the sinful
race were heavy upon His soul, and the
fountain of His tears was broken up as He
longed to relieve all their distress."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 533, 534.
Faith Triumphant Over Death
13.
As Jesus came to the tomb, how
did He challenge the faith of Martha?
John 11:37-40.
NOTE.—"Why should you doubt in regard
to My power? Why reason in opposition to
My requirements? You have My word. If
you will believe, you shall see the glory of
God. Natural impossibilities cannot prevent
the work of the Omnipotent One. Skepti-
cism and unbelief are not humility. Im-
plicit belief in Christ's word is true humil-
ity, true self-surrender."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 535.
14.
In His prayer for the resurrec-
tion of Lazarus how did Jesus show
implicit trust in His Father? John
11:41-44.
15.
What shout of victory over
death will ring forth at the resurrec-
tion? 1 Cor. 15:42, 53-55.
Lesson 13, for March 26, 1955
The Greatest Miracle of All
MEMORY VERSE:
"Yet a little while, and the world seeth Me no more; but ye see
Me: because I live, ye shall live also." John 14:19.
STUDY HELP:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 779-787.
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Matt. 28:1-6; 1 Cor. 15:13-22; 1 Peter 1:18-21.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: General survey
of the lesson, based on outline.
2.
Memorize John 14:19; Key Thoughts;
Ques. 1, 2.
3.
Ques. 3-7.
4.
Ques. 8-10.
5.
Ques. 11-14.
6.
Read "The Desire of Ages," pp. 779-
787.
7.
Review entire lesson.
[ 43
Lesson Outline:
I. The Resurrection of Jesus Awakens a
New Faith
1.
Resurrection assured. Matt. 16:21;
17:23; 20:19.
2.
Description of resurrection of Jesus.
Matt. 28:1-6.
3.
John believes. John 20:8.
II. Results of the Resurrection of Jesus
1.
Proved Jesus to be Son of God.
Rom. 1:4.
2.
For our justification. Rom. 4:25;
5:1.
3.
Proved truth of Jesus' predictions.
Matt. 28:6.
4.
Trophies of the resurrection. Matt.
27:52, 53.
III. Importance of the Resurrection of
Jesus
1.
Assurance of life. 1 Cor. 15:13-22.
2.
Theme of apostles. Acts 2:32; 3:15;
10:40; Gal. 1:1.
3.
"A lively hope." 1 Peter 1:3-5.
IV. The Resurrection and Baptism
1.
A means of grace. 1 Peter 3:21.
2.
Burial and resurrection. Rom. 6:3-8.
V. Resurrection Power and Saving Faith
1.
Power of the resurrection. Phil. 3:10.
2.
Saving faith and the resurrection.
1 Peter 1:18-21.
Key Thoughts:
1.
He is "risen from the dead."
Every-
thing in the Christian religion hangs on the
truth of these words. Paul said: "If Christ
be not risen, then is our preaching vain,
and your faith is also vain." 1 Cor. 15:14.
Then he added with certainty: "But now is
Christ risen from the dead." No man can
catch a vision of the majesty of the gospel
till he sees the risen Christ. It is the resur-
rection which gives real meaning to the
cross of Calvary.
2.
"Angels and authorities and
powers being made subject unto Him."
1 Peter 3:22. The resurrection was the
greatest proof that Jesus was the Son of
God. It also was the final assurance that
victory over every evil power was in His
hands. Henceforth every child of God could
rest in calm assurance that the Son of God
would return in power and glory, and that
every knee should bow and confess Him, to
the glory of God the Father.
THE LESSON
The Resurrection of Jesus
Awakens a New Faith
1.
By what repeated instruction
had Jesus endeavored to reassure His
disciples concerning His resurrection?
Matt. 16:21; 17:23; 20:19.
2.
How does Matthew describe the'
events surrounding the resurrection
of Jesus? Matt. 28:1-6.
mocked and derided. In this glorified Being
they beheld the prisoner whom they had
seen in the judgment hall, the one for
whom they had plaited a crown of thorns.
This was the One who had stood unresisting
before Pilate and Herod, His form lacerated
by the cruel scourge. This was He who had
been nailed to the cross, at whom the priests
and rulers, full of self-satisfaction, had
wagged their heads, saying, 'He saved
others; Himself He cannot save.' Matt.
27:42. This was He who had been laid in
Joseph's new tomb. The decree of heaven
had loosed the captive. Mountains piled
upon mountains over His sepulcher could
not have prevented Him from coming
forth."-The
Desire of Ages,
pages 780, 781.
NOTE.-"Christ came forth from the
tomb glorified, and the Roman guard be-
3. In whose heart was faith in the
held Him. Their eyes were riveted upon the
resurrection of Jesus first awakened?
face of Him whom they had so recently
John 20:8.
t
44]
NOTE.—When the soldiers saw Jesus
come forth from the tomb, they were ter-
rified. When the women found the empty
tomb, they were amazed. When the disciples
heard the first report of the resurrection,
they could not believe. John is the first
person who is described as "believing."
With this belief, there began an increasing
volume of Christian faith, which has con-
tinued to the present time. The rest of the
disciples believed, the women believed,
many to whom the disciples preached the
message of the resurrected Christ believed,
and men and women through the centuries
have been believing. The faith that took
hold of the heart of John is the faith that
has made the Christian church.
Results of the Resurrection
of Jesus
4.
What did the resurrection prove
regarding Jesus? Rom. 1:4.
NOTE.—"When the voice of the mighty
angel was heard at Christ's tomb, saying,
Thy Father calls Thee, the Saviour came
forth from the grave by the life that was
in Himself. Now was proved the truth of
His words, 'I lay down my life, that I might
take it again.' . . . Now was fulfilled the
prophecy He had spoken to the priests and
rulers, 'Destroy this temple, and in three
days I will raise it up.' John 10:17, 18; 2:19.
"Over the rent sepulcher of Joseph Christ
had proclaimed in triumph, 'I am the resur-
rection, and the life.' These words could be
spoken only by the Deity. All created things
live by the will and power of God. They
are dependent recipients of the life of God.
From the highest seraph to the humblest
animate being, all are replenished from the
Source of life. Only He who is one with
God could say, I have power to lay down
My life, and I have power to take it again.
In His divinity, Christ possessed the power
to break the bonds of death."—The
Desire
of Ages,
page 785.
5.
What new relationship was
made possible by the resurrection of
Jesus? Rom. 4:25; 5:1.
NOTE.—"God spared not His own Son,
but delivered Him to death for our offenses
and raised Him again for our justification.
Through Christ we may present our peti-
tions at the throne of grace. Through Him,
unworthy as we are, we may obtain all
spiritual blessings. Do we come to Him,
that we may have life
?"—Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 221.
A faith in a Christ who
lived
would not
be adequate. The Christian faith is in a
Christ who
lives.
Only a living Christ can
justify and transform the sinner. It should
be remembered that
to justify
means "to
declare righteous." Without the resurrec-
tion of Jesus there would have been no
means whereby man might be pardoned for
his sins. Compare 1 Cor. 15:14-17.
6.
How does the resurrection verify
the claims of Jesus? Matt. 28:6. Com-
pare Matt. 27:63.
NoTE.Notice the words, "as He said."
"The value of the actual bodily resurrec-
tion of Jesus, both to the disciples and to
disciples for all ages, was its demonstration
that He had accomplished all He said He
would accomplish, that His great announce-
ments concerning Himself were not the
dreamings of a disordered imagination, were
not the hopes of a helpless, powerless man.
When He came out from the grave in bodily
resurrection, all He had said was verified,
and all He had done began to be explained."
—G. Campbell Morgan,
The Gospel Ac-
cording to Matthew,
pages 319, 320.
7.
Who were raised at the resurrec-
tion of Jesus? Matt. 27:52, 53. Com-
pare Ps. 68:18.
NoTE.—"During ,His ministry, Jesus had
raised the dead to life. He had raised the
son of the widow of Nain, and the ruler's
daughter and Lazarus. But these were not
clothed with immortality. After they were
raised, they were still subject to death. But
those who came forth from the grave at
Christ's resurrection were raised to ever
lasting life. They ascended with Him as
trophies of His victory over death and the
grave. These, said Christ, are no longer the
captives of Satan; I have redeemed them.
[ 45 ]
THE CHRISTIAN DOES NOT LIVE ON A DEAD-,
END STREET. THERE IS ETERNAL LIFE BEYOND.
I have brought them from the grave as the
first fruits of My power, to be with Me
where I am, nevermore to see death or
experience sorrow."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 786.
Importance of the Resurrection
of Jesus
8.
If Jesus had not been resurrected,
what would the results have been to
the human race? 1 Cor. 15:13-22.
NOTE.—This text names five consequences
that would have resulted if Jesus had not
been raised: (1) Preaching of the gospel
would have been vain, (2) Christian faith
would have been vain, (3) Christians would
have been false witnesses, (4) men would
all be sinners, (5) the dead would be for-
ever perished.
9.
What was the central theme of
the message of the apostles? Acts 2:32;
3:15; 10:40; Gal. 1:1.
NoTE.—"To the believer, Christ is the
resurrection and the life. In our Saviour
the life that was lost through sin is re-
stored; for He has life in Himself to quicken
whom He will.'He is invested with the right
to give immortality. The life that He laid
down in humanity, He takes up again, and
gives to humanity."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 786, 787.
10.
What relationship does Peter
teach between resurrection and hope?
1 Peter 1:3-5.
NoTE.—"The resurrection and ascension
of our Lord is a sure evidence of the tri-
umph of the saints of God over death and
the grave, and a pledge that heaven is open
to those who wash their robes of character
and make them white in the blood of the
Lamb."—Testimonies,
vol. 9, p. 286.
The Resurrection and Baptism
11.
What makes baptism effective
as a means of grace? 1 Peter 3:21.
NoTE.—Without the resurrection there
would be no value in worship, no object of
faith, no source of salvation. The cross was
changed from a tragedy to a triumph by the
resurrection. Satan was defeated, and the
ultimate success of the plan of salvation
was assured.
12.
What three things does baptism
represent? Rom. 6:3-8.
Resurrection Power and
Saving Faith
13.
What attribute does Paul say
the resurrection of Christ possesses?
Phil. 3:10; Eph. 1:18-20.
14.
How does Peter connect saving
faith and the resurrection? 1 Peter
1:18-21.
[ 46 ]
THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
March 26, 1955—Middle East Division
This quarter we visit the ancient lands of the Middle East, where go per
cent of the ninety-five million people are Moslems. In considering the many
urgent needs in this division, the division committee chose two projects to
benefit from the overflow of the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering. The first
project is a medical launch to take the message to people living in the thou-
sands of villages along the banks of the Nile River, Egypt. To the hundreds
of thousands of suffering ones living along the entire length of this river,
the doctor and nurses of this medical launch will seem like angels of mercy.
The second project is an evangelistic center for the city of Beirut, Lebanon.
Beirut is a modern, metropolitan city, and we greatly need a place where
year-round evangelism can be carried on.
LESSONS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER, 1955
Sabbath-school members who have failed to receive a senior
Lesson Quarterly
for the
second quarter of 1955 will be helped by the following outline in studying the first lesson.
The title of the lesson is "The Early Church." The Memory Verse is Matt. 28:18-20.
The texts to be studied are:
Ques. 1. Matt. 16:16-18.
Ques. 2. Acts 4:11, 12.
Ques. 3. Eph. 2:19-21.
Ques. 4. 1 Peter 2:5; Rev. 3:12.
Ques. 5. Matt. 28:18-20.
Ques. 6. Acts 1:8.
Ques. 7. Mark 16:15, 17, 18.
Ques. 8. Luke 24:48, 49; John 14:26.
Ques. 9. Eph. 4:8, 11, 12; 1 Cor. 12:28.
Ques. 10. Acts 2:1-4; 38-41.
Ques. 11. Acts 8:1, 4.
Ques. 12. Col. 1:23.
Ques. 13. Rev. 10:7; Matt. 24:14.
Ques. 14. 2 Cor. 5:20; 1 Cor. 9:16.
[ 47 ]
•
ANKARA
TURKEY
, •
EAST MEDITERRANEAN
UNION m15510N
•
ALEPPO
CASPIAN SEA
s MOSUL L.
•
TEHRAN
MEDITERRANEAN SEA
EVANGELISTIC CENTER
BENGHAZI
HAIFA
TEL AVIV
BAGHZAD
IRAN Persia/
(
ABADA
AIAADI
"L
ag
LIBIA
EGYPT
NILE UNION MISSION
ASYUT
(ZUWAK) SOHAG
LUXOR
SAUDI ARABIA
MEDICAL LAUNCH
NILE RIVER
•
RIYADH
•
ANGLO-EGYPTIAN SUDAN
(Northern/
•
KHARTOUM
ARABIAN DESERT
•
ill•mmk • mei
•
•1•. • =MEND •
•••••1
UNION MISSION
POPULATION
CHURCHES
CH. MEM.
S.S. MEM.
EAST MEDITERRANEAN
31.200,000
15
802
NILE UNION
30,053,000
15
671
86$
IRAN MISSION
17.000,000
8
204
175
DIVISION TOTALS
78,253,000
38
1,677
2.524
•
.)
YEMEN
8
/
f
/
ETHIOPIA
